North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for December 2025 remained at 3.9 percent, unchanged from November’s revised figure, according to the latest data released by state officials. The national unemployment rate fell by 0.1 percentage point to 4.4 percent.
Compared to a year ago, North Carolina’s unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points. Over the month, the number of employed people in the state rose by 9,802 to reach a total of 5,104,078 and was up by 14,611 over the year. The number of unemployed individuals increased by 683 in December to a total of 204,751 and rose by 8,543 over the past twelve months.
The monthly establishment survey showed that seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment grew by 3,300 positions in December to reach 5,125,000 jobs statewide. Sectors reporting job gains included Leisure & Hospitality Services (up by 2,900), Financial Activities (up by 1,900), Private Education & Health Services (up by 1,700), Construction (up by 1,100), Government (up by 900), Professional & Business Services (up by 800), Other Services (up by 600), and Mining & Logging (up by 100). Declines were noted in Trade, Transportation & Utilities (down by 5,900) and Manufacturing (down by 800). Information sector employment did not change during this period.
Since December of last year, North Carolina has added a total of approximately 80,700 nonfarm jobs. The private sector contributed an increase of about 78,800 jobs, while government employment grew slightly with an additional 1,900 positions. Over this period major industries showing growth included Private Education & Health Services (+19,400); Professional & Business Services (+18,200); Construction (+14,400); Leisure & Hospitality Services (+13,100); Financial Activities (+9,100); Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+7,300); Other Services (+4,900); Government (+1,900); and Mining & Logging (+300). Job losses were reported in Manufacturing (-7,200) and Information (-700).
State officials noted that estimates are subject to monthly and annual revisions. Data for October were unavailable due to a lapse in appropriations.
The next update on county-level unemployment rates is scheduled for Wednesday February 4th when figures for December will be released.
