Amid shifts in economic indicators, counties across North Carolina experienced varied changes in unemployment rates in August 2025. While most regions saw an uptick, a few noted either stability or decline, reflecting the complexities of the current job market.
Unemployment Rate Variations Across Counties
In August 2025, unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) rose in 95 of North Carolina’s counties. Only two counties observed a decrease, and three others maintained their previous rates. Both Edgecombe and Halifax Counties reported the highest unemployment levels at 6.1%, contrasting with Currituck County, which had the state’s lowest at 3.0%.
All fifteen metropolitan areas throughout the state experienced increases in unemployment rates. Notably, Rocky Mount recorded the highest rate among these areas at 5.5%, while Raleigh’s 3.5% was the lowest. Statewide, the unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) was 4.0%.
Employment Numbers and Trends
The employment landscape in North Carolina in August also showed significant changes. The total number of employed individuals fell by 70,403, bringing the workforce to 5,054,280. Concurrently, the number of unemployed individuals grew by 10,272, totaling 213,037. Compared to August 2024, the state had 10,117 fewer employed persons and 5,796 more unemployed.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| August | 87 | 13 | 0 |
| July (revised) | 91 | 9 | 0 |
Year-over-Year Comparisons
Yearly comparisons reveal that 61 counties experienced higher unemployment rates, 13 saw decreases, and 26 held steady compared to August of the previous year. Over the same period, twelve metro areas faced rate hikes, while three remained constant.
Given the significant seasonal patterns affecting employment estimates, experts advise focusing on year-over-year changes for the most accurate understanding of economic trends.
The subsequent unemployment data update is slated for Tuesday, October 21, 2025, when the statewide unemployment figures for September 2025 will be made available.
Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is now available via a live online dashboard. The PDF attached to this release does contain additional charts and tables for today’s data. Contact Commerce Communications for further information.
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