AVL Metro 3.2%

Thank you Barbara for over 30 years of dedicated service to North Carolina and our region.

Barbara Darby has devoted more than two decades to advancing workforce development and strengthening communities across Western North Carolina through her leadership at Land of Sky Regional Council and the Mountain Area Workforce Development Board. Throughout her career, she has championed innovative workforce initiatives, built lasting partnerships with employers and community organizations, and helped create opportunities for countless job seekers and businesses. Her dedication, expertise, and commitment to public service have earned her the respect of colleagues across the region, including being recognized with North Carolina’s prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine. As Barbara begins her well-earned retirement, she leaves behind a legacy of collaboration, mentorship, and meaningful impact that will continue to shape the region for years to come. On behalf of everyone whose lives and careers she has touched, we thank Barbara for her extraordinary service and wish her every happiness in this next chapter.

Mountain Area Unemployment Rate 3.2%

Unemployment rate in Mountain Area region was 3.2% as of May 2026. There are 2,143 less employed individuals compared to one year ago. Unemployed Individuals by month (Buncombe, Haywood, Henderson, Madison and Transylvania Counties):

May 2026 7,907

April 2026 7,732

March 2026 8,042

February 2026 8,763

January 2026 8,251

December 2025 7,967

November 2025 10,140

October (Unavailable)

September 2025 9,024

August 2025 10,046

July 2025 9,622

June 2025 10,610

May 2025 10,346

Note there are some statistical disparities between the data reported for the Asheville metro and the Mountain Area Workforce region as the metro includes Haywood County but does not include Transylvania County. The Mountain Area Workforce region includes Transylvania County but not Haywood County.

Total Labor Force 217,374

Total Employed Labor Force 210,384

Among the metro areas, Asheville had the 2nd lowest unemployment rate at 3.2%. Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7% (as of May 2026) while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0%. Hyde and Edgecombe Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.2%. Currituck County had the lowest unemployment at 2.7%.

Buncombe 3.3%

Haywood 3.2%

Henderson 3.0%

Madison 3.4%

Transylvania 3.3%

Change in Unemployed Indidviduals Relative to 2018

Mountain Area Labor Force (compared to 5 years ago)

Mountain Area Employed Individuals (compared to 5 years ago)

Mountain Area Unemployment Rate

Mountain Area Unemployed Individuals (compared to 5 years ago)

Asheville MSA Industry Jobs (compared to one year ago)

Asheville MSA Jobs

Mountain Area Job Openings

Mountain Area WDB Taxable Retail Sales

North Carolina's May County and Area Unemployment Figures Released

RALEIGH — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 70 counties, decreased in five, and remained unchanged in 25 in May 2026. Hyde and Edgecombe Counties each had the highest unemployment rate at 5.2 percent while Currituck County had the lowest at 2.7 percent. Thirteen of the state’s metro areas experienced rate increases and two remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 4.7 percent while Raleigh had the lowest at 3.0 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.5 percent.

Barnardsville, AB Tech Madison and Blue Ridge CC Flat Rock.

Blue Ridge Community College Flat Rock starting July 27

Big Ivy Community Center in Barnardsville starting August 3

A-B Tech Madison starting September 14

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