Unemployment rates in North Carolina showed a mixed pattern for March 2025, according to recent figures. The non-seasonally adjusted rates fell in 43 counties, rose in 29, and were unchanged in 28. Hyde County noted the highest unemployment rate at 6.8 percent, while Camden County recorded the lowest at 2.8 percent. In metro areas, Asheville had the highest unemployment rate at 4.8 percent, while Raleigh was the lowest at 3.1 percent. At a state level, the unemployment rate was 3.7 percent.
The number of counties reporting unemployment rates of 5 percent or lower was 92, with only eight counties falling between the 5 to 10 percent range. None reported rates above 10 percent. This compares to revised February figures showing 91 counties at 5 percent or less and nine from 5 to 10 percent.
In terms of year-on-year performance, 44 counties saw increases in unemployment rates, 30 experienced decreases, and 26 rates remained stable. Seven metro areas had year-over-year rate increases, while five decreased, and three saw no change.
The employed workforce in March increased by 30,225 individuals, bringing the total to 5,105,044. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed dropped by 191 to 195,211. Compared to the previous year, employment numbers decreased by 8,623 workers, with unemployment rising by 4,939.
These figures highlight the importance of viewing employment data within the context of annual changes, given the large seasonal influences on the labor market.
Further data and analyses are available via an online dashboard. Additional charts and tables are included in the release’s PDF attachment. Commerce Communications can provide more details.
The state plans to release the unemployment update for April 2025 on May 21, 2025.
