Iredell County’s unemployment rate increased to 3.6% in January 2025, up from 3.1% in December 2024, according to the latest data from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. The rise reflects a broader trend across the state, where unemployment rates increased in 99 counties and remained unchanged in one.
Statewide, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 4.0% for January. Hyde County reported the highest unemployment rate at 8.3%, while Camden County had the lowest at 3.0%. Among North Carolina’s metro areas, Asheville recorded the highest unemployment rate at 6.0%, whereas Raleigh had the lowest at 3.2%.
Employment figures indicate that the number of workers employed across the state increased by 10,772 to 5,077,982 in January, while the number of unemployed individuals rose by 31,684 to 209,884. Compared to January 2024, the number of employed workers statewide grew by 25,816, while the number of unemployed individuals increased by 14,733.
A breakdown of county unemployment rates shows a shift in employment conditions. In January, 80 counties reported unemployment rates at or below 5%, while 20 counties had rates between 5% and 10%. In December, 94 counties were below the 5% threshold, and only six fell within the 5%-10% range.
Economists note that employment estimates are influenced by seasonal patterns, making year-over-year comparisons more useful in identifying long-term trends. Factors such as post-holiday employment shifts and adjustments in seasonal industries could have contributed to the recent increases in unemployment rates across the state.
The next update on North Carolina’s unemployment data is expected on March 28, 2025, when the statewide unemployment rate for February will be released. In the coming months, local officials and business leaders will continue monitoring economic trends to assess the labor market’s stability and potential impacts on job growth in Iredell County.
