Unemployment rates across North Carolina showed a general decline in July 2025, with rates decreasing in 75 counties, increasing in 11, and remaining unchanged in 14. Edgecombe County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 5.8 percent, while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Among the state’s metropolitan areas, Rocky Mount posted the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent and Raleigh reported the lowest at 3.2 percent. The statewide not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.8 percent.
In July, 91 counties had unemployment rates of 5 percent or below, nine counties were between 5 and 10 percent, and none reported rates above 10 percent. These figures represent a slight improvement from June (revised), when there were 90 counties with rates of 5 percent or below and ten between 5 and 10 percent.
Compared to July of last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 89 counties, increased in seven, and remained unchanged in four. Fourteen metro areas saw decreases over the year, while one experienced an increase.
Statewide employment numbers also improved. The number of employed workers rose by 29,896 to reach a total of 5,124,369 in July. The number of unemployed individuals decreased by 7,525 to stand at 202,827 for the month. Since July 2024, employment has grown by 10,561 people statewide while unemployment has dropped by 14,366.
Officials advise that because employment estimates are influenced by significant seasonal trends, it is better to focus on over-the-year changes rather than month-to-month fluctuations.
The next update on North Carolina’s unemployment figures will be released on Friday, September 19, covering data for August 2025.
Supplemental data for this release is available through a live online dashboard. Additional charts and tables can be found in the PDF attached to this release; further information is available from Commerce Communications.
