Unemployment rates across North Carolina increased in 92 counties in June 2025, according to the latest figures released by the North Carolina Department of Commerce. Four counties saw a decrease and four remained unchanged. Edgecombe County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 5.8 percent, while Currituck County reported the lowest at 3.1 percent.
All fifteen metropolitan areas in the state experienced increases in their unemployment rates for June. Rocky Mount had the highest metro area rate at 5.3 percent, with Raleigh posting the lowest at 3.4 percent. The statewide unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted, was 4.0 percent.
Comparing this data to May (revised), there were fewer counties with unemployment rates of 5% or below—89 in June compared to 98 in May—and more counties between 5% and 10%. No county exceeded a 10% unemployment rate during either month.
Over the past year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates rose in 56 counties, fell in 22, and stayed the same in another 22. Among metro areas, ten saw an increase over the year, one decreased, and four were unchanged.
The number of employed workers statewide grew by 10,334 from May to reach a total of 5,094,366 in June. However, those classified as unemployed also rose by 18,608 to a total of 210,927 people without work during this period. Compared to June last year, statewide employment dropped by about 10,249 workers while unemployment increased by approximately 6,452.
The Department emphasized that “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 update on North Carolina’s unemployment figures is set for Tuesday, August 19, when July’s statewide data will be released.
Supplemental data related to these statistics can be accessed via a live online dashboard provided by the Department of Commerce. Additional charts and tables are available through an attached PDF or upon request from Commerce Communications.
