Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in July and remained unchanged in one (Swain County). Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 14.1 percent, while Camden had the lowest at 6.1 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced increases. Among the metro areas, Fayetteville had the highest rate at 11.6 percent and New Bern had the lowest at 7.5 percent. The July not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 8.9 percent.
North Carolina’s July 2020 unemployment rate increased 4.6 percentage points from a year ago. The number of people employed increased 72,211 over the month to 4,502,345 and decreased 382,495 over the year. The number of people unemployed increased 62,712 over the month to 419,812 and increased 220,318 over the year.
Macon County reported an unemployment rate of 7.5 percent, which was an increase of 1 percent from June, and 3.5 percent from one year ago. Macon County ranked 23rd in the state for the month of July.
Jackson County came in ranked 52nd in the state, with an unemployment rate of 8.4 percent in July. This was up from last month’s rate of 8 percent, and it was an increase of 3.8 percent from July of 2019.
Swain County reported an unemployment rate of 7.8 percent for July and ranked 35th in the state unemployment rankings. Swain maintained its rate from the month of June, but still reported an increase of 4 percent from one year ago.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in all 100 counties. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in July by 83,070 to 4,524,153, while those unemployed increased by 69,515 to 441,279. Since July 2019, the number of workers employed statewide decreased 382,189, while those unemployed increased 221,740.
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 unemployment update is scheduled for Friday, September 18th, when the state unemployment rate for August 2020 will be released.
[…] 99 of 100 NC Counties see a rise in unemployment numbersSeptember 2, 2020Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 99 of North Carolina’s counties in July and remained unchanged in one (Swain County). Scotland County had the… […]