Unemployment rates in North Carolina increased in most counties in November 2025 compared to the same month the previous year, according to new data from the state. Rates went up in 89 counties, fell in eight, and stayed the same in three. Fourteen metropolitan areas saw higher unemployment over the year, while one area experienced a decrease.
Edgecombe County reported the highest county-level unemployment rate at 6.3 percent. Currituck County had the lowest at 3.3 percent. Among metro areas, Rocky Mount recorded the highest rate at 5.7 percent, while Raleigh posted the lowest at 3.6 percent. The statewide unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, was 4.1 percent.
In November, 85 counties had unemployment rates of 5 percent or below, and 15 counties had rates between 5 and 10 percent. No county reported a rate above 10 percent.
The number of employed workers across North Carolina decreased by 531 since November last year, bringing total employment to 5,072,337 people (not seasonally adjusted). The number of unemployed individuals increased by 22,644 to reach a total of 218,867.
October’s data were not available due to a lapse in appropriations.
The next update on statewide unemployment is scheduled for January 27, when figures for December will be released.
Supplemental data for this release can be accessed through a live online dashboard.
