Old North News

The employment statistics for North Carolina in March 2025 have been released. The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7 percent compared to February. In contrast, the national unemployment rate saw a slight increase of 0.1 percentage point, reaching 4.2 percent.

Compared to the same period last year, North Carolina's unemployment rate rose by 0.2 percentage points. Employment figures indicated a minor decrease over the month, with 574 fewer employed individuals, totaling 5,098,097, while there was an increase of 1,627 compared to the previous year. The number of unemployed individuals decreased by 350 over the month to 195,233 but saw an increase of 8,235 from the previous year.

In March, seasonally adjusted Total Nonfarm employment increased by 8,300, reaching 5,070,900. Industries that experienced job growth included Professional & Business Services (2,500 jobs), Government (1,800 jobs), and Private Education & Health Services (1,700 jobs), among others. Meanwhile, the Financial Activities sector lost 200 jobs, and Mining & Logging saw a decrease of 100 jobs. Trade, Transportation & Utilities employment remained constant.

Over the twelve months since March 2024, Total Nonfarm jobs grew by 64,400. The Total Private sector added 48,300 jobs, while Government employment rose by 16,100. Significant gains were observed in Private Education & Health Services and Government. Conversely, Manufacturing and Information experienced job declines.

The next update on unemployment figures, specifically at the county level for March 2025, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, April 29, 2025.