Old North News

Unemployment rates in North Carolina showed a decline in most counties for February 2025, according to recently released data. Specifically, rates decreased in 95 counties, rose in four, and remained the same in one. Hyde County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 8.6 percent, while Camden County had the lowest at 2.6 percent.

All metro areas in the state experienced decreases in unemployment rates, with Asheville having the highest rate among them at 5.5 percent, and Raleigh the lowest at 3 percent. The statewide rate was 3.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted.

Compared to January 2025 adjustments, the number of counties with unemployment rates of 5 percent or below rose to 91 in February from 80 in January. Nine counties reported rates between 5 and 10 percent, with none above 10 percent.

A year-over-year comparison showed that unemployment rates decreased in 71 counties, increased in 21, and stayed the same in eight. Among metro areas, 12 reported rate decreases, one an increase, and two remained unchanged.

The number of employed workers statewide decreased by 2,690 to 5,075,410 in February. The number of unemployed decreased by 14,166 to 195,636. Since February 2024, the employment figures have improved with an increase of 15,202 employed and a decrease of 3,891 unemployed.

An emphasis was made on considering over-the-year changes due to significant seasonal patterns in employment estimates. The next employment update is scheduled for April 17, 2025, when March’s statewide unemployment rate will be released.

Supplemental data and additional information are accessible through a live dashboard. Editors seeking more details can contact Commerce Communications. A PDF with further charts and tables accompanies this release.