Rutherford County Sees Modest Rise as North Carolina Unemployment Increases

Unemployment rates rose in most North Carolina counties in August 2025, according to the latest report from the N.C. Department of Commerce. Rates increased in 95 counties, decreased in two, and remained unchanged in three. Edgecombe and Halifax counties recorded the highest unemployment rate at 6.1 percent, while Currituck County had the lowest at 3.0 percent.

All fifteen of the state’s metropolitan areas saw rate increases. Rocky Mount had the highest metro rate at 5.5 percent, while Raleigh reported the lowest at 3.5 percent. The statewide, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 percent.

Rutherford County experienced a modest increase in unemployment, rising from 5.0 percent in July to 5.1 percent in August.

Overall, 87 counties reported rates at or below 5 percent, and 13 counties fell between 5 and 10 percent. No counties reported unemployment of 10 percent or higher.

Compared to August 2024, unemployment rates increased in 61 counties, decreased in 13, and remained unchanged in 26. Twelve metro areas experienced over-the-year increases, while three remained the same.

Statewide, the number of employed workers decreased by 70,403 to 5,054,280, while unemployed workers increased by 10,272 to 213,037. Since August 2024, employment has decreased by 10,117, and unemployment has risen by 5,796.

Officials note that seasonal patterns can affect employment estimates, so year-over-year comparisons provide a clearer picture of trends.

The next statewide unemployment update, covering September 2025, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, October 21.