Raleigh, N.C. — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 North Carolina counties in April 2025, according to the latest data from the state. Edgecombe County reported the highest unemployment rate at 4.9%, while Currituck and Camden counties recorded the lowest rates at 2.7%.
All fifteen of the state’s metropolitan areas also saw decreases in their unemployment rates. Among them, the Rocky Mount metro area had the highest rate at 4.5%, and the Raleigh metro area had the lowest at 2.9%. The statewide unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) stood at 3.4% for the month.
The number of counties with unemployment rates at or below 5% rose to 100 in April, up from 92 in March. No counties reported unemployment rates above 5% during the month.
Compared to April 2024, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 87 counties, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in eight. Year-over-year, 14 metro areas saw rate increases, while one remained unchanged.
Statewide, the number of employed workers increased by 347 from March to April, reaching 5,106,110. The number of unemployed individuals fell by 14,207 to 180,760 over the same period. However, compared to a year ago, employment declined by 10,602, while unemployment increased by 14,194.
Officials note that employment estimates are subject to seasonal fluctuations, making year-over-year comparisons more reliable for evaluating long-term trends.
The next unemployment update, covering statewide data for May 2025, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, June 24.
