Unemployment Trends Shift Across North Carolina Counties
In a recent update on employment trends across North Carolina, data reveals a mixed landscape of unemployment rates for November 2024, as various counties and metro areas experience fluctuations. This shift in employment statistics provides insight into economic changes across the state.
Unemployment figures (not seasonally adjusted) showed an increase in 85 counties, while 12 counties saw a decrease, and three remained stable. Mitchell County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 8.9 percent. On the other hand, Orange and Currituck Counties reported the lowest rates, both at 2.9 percent. These figures highlight the diverse economic conditions across the state.
Among the state’s metropolitan areas, 14 experienced an uptick in unemployment rates, whereas one area saw a decline. Asheville topped the list with the highest rate of 6.1 percent, contrasting with Wilmington, which had the lowest rate at 3.0 percent. The statewide unemployment average, not adjusted for seasonal patterns, stood at 3.7 percent.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 88 | 12 | 0 |
| October (revised) | 89 | 9 | 2 |
Comparing these figures to the previous year, unemployment rates rose in 79 counties, dropped in eight, and stayed unchanged in 13. Across the metro areas, 12 showed increases in unemployment rates over the year, two experienced decreases, and one remained unchanged.
In terms of workforce numbers, the state saw a reduction in employment by 30,435, totaling 5,046,880 employed individuals in November. Conversely, the unemployed population increased by 3,967, reaching 193,883. This marks a year-over-year decrease of 21,571 employed individuals and an increase of 17,420 in the unemployed population.
Due to significant seasonal variations in employment estimates, it’s essential to focus on the year-over-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted figures for a clearer economic perspective. The next update on unemployment figures will be available on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, with the release of the statewide unemployment rate for December 2024.
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