Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 98 of North Carolina’s counties in June 2024 and remained unchanged in two. Unemployment rates remained at or below 5% in 86 counties, compared to 94 in May, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.
Scotland County, southwest of Fayetteville, had the highest unemployment rate at 7% while Buncombe County in the mountains had the lowest at 3.2%. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.5% while Asheville had the lowest at 3.3%.
The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1%.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 97 counties and decreased in three. All 15 metro areas experienced rate increases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in June by 25,712 to 5,075,390, while those unemployed increased by 29,658 to 215,106. Since June 2023, the number of workers employed statewide has increased 1,805, while those unemployed increased 26,148.
Employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns; therefore, it is advisable to focus on over-the-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted estimates, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.
