Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 56 of North Carolina’s counties in November, decreased in 14, and remained unchanged in 30. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.6 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Five of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, three decreased, and seven remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.8 percent. The November not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent.

When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 99 counties and remained unchanged in one. All 15 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in November by 19,851 to 4,821,673, while those unemployed increased 1,022 to 172,384. Since November 2017, the number of workers employed statewide increased 77,582, while those unemployed decreased 49,918.

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 Friday, January 18, 2019 when the state unemployment rate for December 2018 will be released.