Rising Unemployment in 85 NC Counties; Highest in Mitchell, Lowest in Orange

Unemployment rose in 85 NC counties in Nov 2024, with Mitchell County highest at 8.9%. Statewide rate was 3.7%. Employment decreased by 30,435 workers.

January 3, 2025

In November 2024, North Carolina witnessed notable shifts in its county unemployment rates, revealing a complex economic landscape. Variations were evident across the state, with certain areas experiencing more significant changes than others.

County and Statewide Unemployment Trends

During this period, unemployment rates rose in 85 counties, decreased in 12, and remained stable in three. Mitchell County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 8.9 percent. Conversely, Orange and Currituck Counties registered the lowest at 2.9 percent. In the metro areas, Asheville saw the highest unemployment at 6.1 percent, while Wilmington stood at 3.0 percent. The overall statewide unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, was 3.7 percent.

Comparative County Unemployment Data

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

Yearly Comparison of Unemployment Rates

When evaluating the data from a year-over-year perspective, 79 counties saw increased unemployment rates, eight experienced decreases, and 13 remained unchanged. Of the metro areas surveyed, 12 reported higher unemployment rates, two noted decreases, and one remained consistent.

State Employment Figures

The total number of employed workers in North Carolina dropped by 30,435, bringing the workforce to 5,046,880. Conversely, the number of unemployed individuals rose by 3,967, totaling 193,883. Compared to November 2023, the employed workforce decreased by 21,571, and those unemployed increased by 17,420.

It is crucial to recognize that employment data often reflects seasonal trends; thus, focusing on year-over-year comparisons of not seasonally adjusted statistics can provide more meaningful insights.

The subsequent update on unemployment figures is set for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, when December 2024’s statewide unemployment rate will be announced.