Unemployment rates in North Carolina rose in most counties during June 2025, according to new data released by the state. The not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in 92 counties, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in another four.
Edgecombe County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 5.8 percent, while Currituck County had the lowest at 3.1 percent. All fifteen metropolitan areas in the state saw increases in their jobless rates for June. Rocky Mount had the highest metro area rate at 5.3 percent; Raleigh posted the lowest among metros at 3.4 percent.
Statewide, the not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was reported as 4.0 percent.
Comparing month-to-month data, there were 89 counties with unemployment rates of five percent or below in June, down from 98 counties in May (revised). Eleven counties reported rates between five and ten percent; none exceeded ten percent.
Looking at changes over a one-year period, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates rose in 56 counties compared to June last year, fell in 22 counties, and stayed level in another 22. Among metro areas, ten experienced annual increases, one decreased, and four remained unchanged.
The number of employed workers statewide increased by 10,334 to reach a total of 5,094,366 people working during June (not seasonally adjusted). The number of unemployed individuals also grew by 18,608 to a total of 210,927 people out of work across North Carolina for the month. Since June of last year, employment statewide declined by just over ten thousand jobs while unemployment increased by more than six thousand.
According to officials: “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 update on North Carolina’s unemployment figures will be released Tuesday August 19th and will cover July’s statewide data.
Supplemental information related to this release is available through an online dashboard provided by Commerce Communications.
