July 7. Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 93 counties in May 2025, decreased in four, and remained unchanged in three. Edgecombe County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.3 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.9 percent, while Mecklenburg was in the middle at 3.7 percent.

When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 80 counties, decreased in nine, and remained unchanged in 11.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in May by 24,009 to 5,084,132, while those unemployed increased by 12,032 to 192,431. Since May 2024, the number of workers employed statewide decreased 36,949, while those unemployed increased 10,459.