Unemployment rates, not seasonally adjusted, increased in 38 of North Carolina’s counties in November, decreased in 37, and remained unchanged in 25.
Graham County had the highest unemployment rate at 11.5 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 4.1 percent.
Two of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases while nine decreased and four remained unchanged. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 7.6 percent experienced the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 4.3 percent. The November not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 5.5 percent.
When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 63 counties, decreased in 23, and remained unchanged in 14.
Ten metro areas experienced rate increases over the year while three decreased and two remained unchanged.
The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in November by 2,714 to 4,526,140 while those unemployed decreased 1,594 to 261,097. Since November 2014, the number of workers employed statewide increased 127,356, while those unemployed increased 11,705.
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 Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2016, when the state unemployment rate for December 2015 will be released.
Bladen had an unemployment rate of 8.0 percent during November. Other southeastern counties were Columbus 7.3, Cumberland 7.1, Duplin 5.5, Onslow 5.9, Pender6.1, Robeson 8.1 and Sampson 5.5.