RALEIGH — Unemployment rates decreased in 95 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in February 2025, according to the latest report from the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Four counties saw increases, while one remained unchanged.
Hyde County recorded the highest unemployment rate in the state at 8.6 percent. Camden County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. Among the state’s 15 metro areas, all experienced a decrease in unemployment. Asheville had the highest metro area rate at 5.5 percent, while Raleigh recorded the lowest at 3.0 percent.
The statewide, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7 percent for the month.
Iredell County reported an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, a decrease from 3.6 percent in January. The county remains below the statewide average and is among the 91 counties with unemployment rates at or below 5 percent.
Compared to February 2024, unemployment rates decreased in 71 counties, increased in 21, and remained unchanged in eight. Over the same period, 12 metro areas experienced a decrease, one increased, and two remained unchanged.
In terms of the labor force, the number of people employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased by 2,690 in February to 5,075,410. The number of unemployed individuals fell by 14,166 to 195,636. Over the year, employment increased by 15,202, and the number of unemployed dropped by 3,891.
Officials noted that employment estimates are subject to seasonal patterns, making over-the-year comparisons more reliable than month-to-month changes.
The next unemployment update, which will include data for March 2025, is scheduled to be released on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
