Dec. 2. The Mecklenburg County unemployment rate rose slightly in October, to 3.3 percent, from 23.1 percent in September. Mecklenburg’s October rate was unchanged from one year ago.

Unemployment rates increased in 91 counties statewide in October, decreased in three, and remained unchanged in six.

The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6 percent.

For an interactive look at unemployment rates statewide, click here

Highest vs. lowest

Buncombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 8.8 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.6 percent. Fourteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and one remained unchanged.

Among the metro areas, Asheville had the highest rate at 7.3 percent while Durham-Chapel Hill and Wilmington each had the lowest at 2.9 percent.

This year vs. last

When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 59 counties, increased in 24, and remained unchanged in 17. Ten metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year, three increased, and two remained unchanged.

The number of workers employed statewide decreased in October by 19,790 to 5,077,309, while those unemployed increased by 20,965 to 188,684. Since October 2023, the number of workers employed statewide increased 535, while those unemployed increased 8,390.