Department of Numbers

North Carolina Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for North Carolina fell 0.1 percentage points in April 2023 to 3.4%. The state unemployment rate was 0.0 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in North Carolina peaked in April 2020 at 14.2% and is now 10.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.3% in March 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.1 percentage points. You can also see North Carolina unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate April 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.4% -0.1 -0.2
North Carolina 3.4% -0.1 +0.1

Note: All comparisons are made with April data as May state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: North Carolina, National

North Carolina monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to April 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

North Carolina Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in North Carolina peaked in April 2020 at 656,620. There are now 477,767 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 172,204 in March 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 6,649. North Carolina job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons April 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
North Carolina 178,853 -4,221 +6,517

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in North Carolina from 1990 to April 2023

North Carolina Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
North Carolina
Unemployment Rate
North Carolina
Unemployed
May 2023 3.7%
April 2023 3.4% 3.4% 178,853
March 2023 3.5% 3.5% 183,074
February 2023 3.6% 3.6% 188,101
January 2023 3.4% 3.8% 193,793
December 2022 3.5% 3.8% 198,043
November 2022 3.6% 3.9% 199,856
October 2022 3.7% 3.9% 202,523
September 2022 3.5% 3.9% 202,722
August 2022 3.7% 3.9% 200,354
July 2022 3.5% 3.7% 193,542
June 2022 3.6% 3.6% 185,300