Unemployment rates increased in most North Carolina counties in August, according to the latest report from the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Rates rose in 95 counties, decreased in two, and remained unchanged in three. Edgecombe and Halifax counties reported the highest unemployment rate at 6.1 percent, while Currituck County recorded the lowest at 3.0 percent.
All fifteen of the state’s metropolitan areas experienced increases. Among them, Rocky Mount had the highest unemployment rate at 5.5 percent, while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.5 percent. The statewide rate, not seasonally adjusted, stood at 4.0 percent for August.
In Iredell County, the unemployment rate increased from 3.5 percent in July to 3.7 percent in August.
Across the state, 87 counties reported rates at or below 5 percent, and 13 counties had rates between 5 and 10 percent. No counties reported a rate of 10 percent or higher.
Compared to August 2024, unemployment rates increased in 61 counties, decreased in 13, and remained unchanged in 26. Twelve metro areas saw rate increases over the year, and three remained the same.
The total number of employed workers statewide fell by 70,403 in August to 5,054,280, while the number of unemployed workers rose by 10,272 to 213,037. Over the year, employment decreased by 10,117, and unemployment rose by 5,796.
Officials noted that employment estimates often reflect seasonal trends, and over-the-year comparisons provide a more accurate measure of long-term changes.
The next statewide unemployment update, covering September 2025, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, October 21.
