Wilmington Metro unemployment down in February

RALEIGH — Unemployment rates increased in 58 of North Carolina’s 100 counties in February, according to statistics released today by the state’s Employment Security Commission. Rates decreased in 19 counties and remained the same in 23.

“The February data demonstrate the uncertain nature of the current economic conditions,” said ESC Chairman Lynn Holmes. “Some areas experienced industry employment gains, but overall we continue to face challenges on the road to recovery. But, our agency is committed to continuing to provide needed services for thousands across our state.”

Over the past year, the ESC has paid out $5.2 billion in unemployment insurance benefits (state and federal) across 100 counties. North Carolina had 42 counties that were at or below the state’s unadjusted unemployment rate of 11.8 percent. Rates increased in six of the state’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas, decreased in three and remained the same in
five.

Total county employment (not-seasonally adjusted) increased in February by 1,391 workers, to 3,991,949. Notseasonally adjusted unemployment increased, by 4,705 workers. The unemployment total in February was 535,986 workers, compared with 531,281 in January.

Unemployment rates in the metropolitan statistical areas for February were:

Wilmington — 11.6 percent, down from 11.7 percent.

Asheville — 10.2 percent, up from 10.1 percent in January.
Burlington — 13.2 percent, no change.
Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill NC-SC — 12.8 percent, no change.
Durham-Chapel Hill — 8.4 percent, no change.
Fayetteville — 9.8 percent, no change.
Goldsboro — 9.8 percent, down from 9.9 percent.
Greensboro-High Point — 12.4 percent, up from 12.3 percent.
Greenville — 10.7 percent, no change.
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton — 15.8 percent, up from 15.7 percent.
Jacksonville — 8.6 percent, down from 8.7 percent.
Raleigh-Cary — 9.6 percent, up from 9.5 percent.
Rocky Mount — 14.7 percent, up from 14.6 percent..
Winston-Salem — 11.1 percent, up from 11 percent.

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