Hurricane Helene, which struck the Southeastern United States in September 2024, has had a significant impact on Western North Carolina’s labor market. The storm caused an estimated $59.6 billion in damages within North Carolina, making it one of the most expensive hurricanes to hit the region. In response, FEMA issued a disaster declaration (FEMA-4827-DR) for 39 counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.
Before the hurricane, the 26 counties designated as “Permanent Work” areas—due to their need for long-term restoration—accounted for nearly 14% of North Carolina’s workforce, or about 667,000 jobs out of the state’s total 4.9 million. Buncombe County led with 138,000 jobs, followed by Catawba and Gaston counties.
The region’s employment was concentrated in Education and Health Services; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities; Manufacturing; and Leisure and Hospitality. These sectors made up about two-thirds of all jobs in Western North Carolina.
Data from the Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages shows that between September and October 2024, Western North Carolina lost nearly 19,000 jobs—a decline of 2.8%. Buncombe County saw the largest numerical loss with almost 13,000 jobs gone (a drop of 9.3%). Avery County experienced the highest percentage loss at 13.5%, equating to around 1,000 jobs.
Sector-specific impacts varied widely. The Leisure and Hospitality sector lost about 14,000 jobs—a decrease of 15.6%. Manufacturing declined by 1.6%, while Other Services fell by 4.9%. However, some sectors grew during this period: Trade, Transportation, and Utilities added nearly 3,000 jobs; Education and Health Services increased by approximately 2,000 positions.
Following these losses, job numbers began to recover but have not yet reached pre-hurricane levels. Employment data indicates a sharp drop after Hurricane Helene in October followed by gradual stabilization.
This early analysis highlights how key industries in Western North Carolina were affected by Hurricane Helene’s aftermath—with Leisure and Hospitality being hit hardest—and shows ongoing efforts to monitor economic recovery as new data emerges.
