In April, the unemployment rates showed a decrease in 98 counties of North Carolina, with only two counties experiencing an increase.
During that period, Jackson County had a rate of 3.5 percent, marking a decline of 0.4 percent from March’s 3.9 percent and an increase of 0.2 percent compared to April 2022’s 3.3 percent.
Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.8 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest rate at 2.5 percent.
Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.5 percent, while Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.5 percent. The statewide rate, not seasonally adjusted, stood at 3.1 percent.
When comparing the same month of the previous year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 76 counties, increased in 10 counties, and remained unchanged in 14 counties. Among the state’s metro areas, eleven experienced rate decreases, one saw an increase, and three remained unchanged.
In April, the number of employed workers statewide increased by 8,286 to reach 5,051,146, while the number of unemployed individuals decreased by 21,948 to 163,394. Since April 2022, the number of employed workers statewide increased by 63,968, and the number of unemployed individuals decreased by 2,657.
It is important to note that employment estimates are subject to significant seasonal patterns. Therefore, it is advisable to focus on year-over-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted estimates.
