Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 39 of North Carolina’s counties in November 2023, decreased in 17, and remained unchanged in 44. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.9 percent while Buncombe and Swain Counties each had the lowest at 2.6 percent. Five of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, two decreased, and eight remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville and Rocky Mount each had the highest rate at 4.6 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 2.8 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.4 percent.
| Month | Counties with Rates 5% or Below | Counties with Rates Between 5% and 10% | Counties with Rates Above 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| November | 96 | 4 | 0 |
| October (revised) | 96 | 4 | 0 |
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 89 counties, increased in five, and remained unchanged in six. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in November by 27,699 to 5,086,500, while those unemployed increased by 402 to 177,244. Since November 2022, the number of workers employed statewide increased 126,461, while those unemployed decreased 7,217.
It is important to note that 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.
The next unemployment update is scheduled for Tuesday, January 23, 2024 when the statewide unemployment rate for December 2023 will be released.
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Note to Editors: Supplemental data for this release is available via a live online dashboard.