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Unemployment Rates Increase in 96 of North Carolina’s 100 Counties, Watauga Remains Among Lowest

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March 21, 2014. Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in two of North Carolina’s counties in January, increased in 96 and remained the same in two. All 14 of the State’s metro areas experienced rate increases. (See map of individual counties below.)

Dare County had the highest unemployment rate at 14.5 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 4.6 percent. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 10.3 percent experienced the highest rate and Durham-Chapel Hill at 5.3 percent had the lowest. The January not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 7.0 percent.

When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in all 100 counties. All 14 metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in January by 2,817 to 4,318,640, while those unemployed increased 19,728 to 325,555. Since January 2013, the number of workers employed statewide increased 69,113, while those unemployed decreased 122,254.

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, March 28, 2014 when the state unemployment rate for February 2014 will be released.

See entire report here

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