Unemployment Rates Decreased in all 100 NC Counties in September 2024



Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in all 100 of North Carolina’s counties in September 2024. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 5.6 percent while Buncombe, Ashe, Avery, Currituck, Watauga, Swain, and Dare Counties each had the lowest at 2.5 percent. All fifteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.6 percent while Asheville had the lowest at 2.6 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.2 percent.

What had been a hot job market in and around Asheville, N.C., might take a while to heal, noted Nathan Ramsey, director of the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board in western North Carolina. Helene hit the region during its peak fall tourism season, and with the water system still in shambles, its breweries, hotels and eateries are unable to open.“ We could see our unemployment rate going to 10 percent or more based on these numbers, and the damage isn’t over as more layoffs are anticipated,” Mr. Ramsey said. A big concern is the loss of housing, which could push local residents to relocate — even if rebuilding creates more jobs in construction down the road. 

Join us Friday, Nov. 8 at Harrah’s Cherokee Center Asheville in downtown Asheville for a special the WNC Mountain Strong Career Fair. Presented by the Mountain Area Workforce Board and the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce,

Tropical Storm Helene Update The devastation to Western North Carolina has greatly impacted many businesses and families. If you or your business are impacted, view a list of available resources. If you are in a position to help, the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is accepting donations to support the communities most impacted.

Helene Disaster Assistance: View information and resources available to North Carolina businesses impacted by Hurricane Helene

Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative Welcome to the Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative Was your small business harmed by Hurricane Helene? The Western North Carolina Small Business Initiative is here to help. The initiative is partnering with local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to provide relief

TOGETHER WE ARE WNC STRONG New WNC Strong: Helene Business Recovery Fund Providing vital and rapid relief loans to Western North Carolina small businesses impacted by Tropical Storm Helene. Helene...Read more

Helene help center Updated WNC Strong: Helene Disaster Relief & Business Recovery Resources Find what you need to navigate your small business through this unprecedented time. We're here for you...Read more

Business Assistance & Resources After Hurricane Helene, our local business community has proven its strength and unity in the face of adversity. As your Chamber, we are honored to be here for you, providing a hub for essential resources from FEMA, the Small Business Administration, and others.

FEMA is actively supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts. Apply for FEMA assistance here, by calling 800-621-3362 or on the FEMA app. Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund: Click here for the application link and eligibility requirements for the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund (RDRF).

Following a federal disaster declaration because of Hurricane Helene, DUA benefits are available in 25 counties as well as the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The counties are as follows, and more counties may be added to the list of those eligible for DUA at a later date: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yancey and Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The deadline to apply is December 2.