Unemployment rate rises in 97 N.C. counties

Unemployment rates increased in 97 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in December 2012, decreased in one, and were unchanged in two.

Thirteen of the state’s metro areas also experienced rate increases, while one metro decreased. The December (not seasonally adjusted) statewide rate was 9.5 percent.

Graham County had the highest unemployment rate at 18.5 percent, while Orange County had the lowest at 5.9 percent.

Watauga County’s December rate was 8.5 percent, up .6 percent from November. Ashe County’s rate of 11.6 percent marked a 1.6 percent increase from the previous month, while Avery County’s rate of 12.1 percent indicates a 1.3 percent increase.

Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 12.5 percent experienced the highest rate, and Durham-Chapel Hill at 7.2 percent had the lowest.

When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates dropped in 93 counties, increased in five and remained unchanged in two. All 14 metro areas decreased over the year.

The number of workers employed (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in December by 58,847 to 4,262,359, while those unemployed rose 19,610 to 444,851. Since December 2011, the number of workers unemployed decreased by 29,895, while those employed increased by 93,514.

The state unemployment rate release for January 2013 is scheduled for Monday, March 18, 2013.
The ESC notes 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.