North Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for July 2025 remained at 3.7 percent, according to new figures released by the state. This matches June’s revised rate, while the national unemployment rate increased slightly to 4.2 percent.
Compared to July of last year, North Carolina’s unemployment rate rose by 0.1 percentage point. The number of employed people in the state grew by 664 over the month, reaching a total of 5,090,536, but declined by 3,550 compared to a year ago. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed residents dropped by 1,844 over the month to 195,068 and increased by 2,157 over the year.
Total nonfarm employment in North Carolina decreased by 1,500 jobs in July to reach 5,094,600. Sectors that saw job growth included Private Education & Health Services (up by 2,500), Government (up by 1,100), Information (up by 500), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (up by 500), Construction (up by 200), and Financial Activities (up by 200). Industries with declines were Professional & Business Services (down by 3,000), Manufacturing (down by 2,900), Leisure & Hospitality Services (down by 400), and Other Services (down by 200). Mining & Logging employment was unchanged.
Over the past year since July 2024, North Carolina added a net total of approximately 83,100 nonfarm jobs. Gains were recorded in Private Education & Health Services (+24,900); Professional & Business Services (+21,800); Government (+12,800); Construction (+10,000); Leisure & Hospitality Services (+8,300); Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+6,900); Other Services (+4,500); Financial Activities (+2,700); and Mining & Logging (+100). Manufacturing was the only major sector with an annual decline (-8,900 jobs) while Information employment held steady.
Unemployment rates for both North Carolina and the U.S. have fluctuated within a narrow range since July last year; North Carolina’s rate has remained between 3.6 percent and 3.7 percent during this period.
The next update on county-level unemployment rates is scheduled for August 27.
