April 29. Unemployment rates decreased in 43 counties in March 2025, increased in 29, and remained unchanged in 28. Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.8 percent while Camden County had the lowest at 2.8 percent, while Mecklenburg stayed the same at 3.7 percent. Seven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases, five decreased, and three remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 4.8 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.1 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.7 percent.

When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 44 counties, decreased in 30, and remained unchanged in 26. Seven metro areas experienced rate increases over the year, five decreased, and three remained unchanged.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in March by 30,225 to 5,105,044, while those unemployed decreased by 191 to 195,211. Since March 2024, the number of workers employed statewide decreased 8,623, while those unemployed increased 4,939.