July 30. Unemployment rates increased in 98 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in June 2024 and remained unchanged in two, according to the NC Dept. of Commerce.

Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.0 percent while Buncombe County had the lowest at 3.2 percent. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.5 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 3.3 percent.

The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 4.1 percent. The Mecklenburg County unemployment rate in May was 3.4 percent.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in June by 25,712 to 5,075,390, while those unemployed increased by 29,658 to 215,106. Since June 2023, the number of workers employed statewide increased 1,805, while those unemployed increased 26,148.

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.