Unemployment down in Rowan

Unemployment rates decreased in nearly all of North Carolina’s 100 counties in September. Rates decreased in 92 counties, increased in four and remained the same in four.

Rowan’s September rate of 11.1 percent is a drop from August, when the rate was 11.8 percent.

Cabarrus’ September rate comes in at 9.7, down from 10.4 percent in August.

“The September data demonstrate a decrease in the unemployment rate for most of North Carolina’s counties,” said ESC Chairman Lynn R. Holmes. “However, many counties still face high unemployment rates. This agency continues to focus on helping our customers find work and get the assistance they need.”

North Carolina had 45 counties that were at or below the state’s unadjusted unemployment rate of 10 percent. Rates decreased in all 14 of the state’s Metropolitan Statistical Areas such as Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill.

Currituck County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate in September, at 5.1 percent. Meanwhile, Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate, at 17.3 percent.

Rates for counties surrounding Rowan include:

• Davidson, 10.9 percent; down from 11.4 percent in August.

• Davie, 9.5 percent; down from 9.6 percent.

• Iredell, 10.6 percent, down from 11.2 percent in August.

• Stanly, 10.9 percent; down from 11.5 percent.

North Carolina’s statewide unemployment rate (not seasonally adjusted) was 10 percent in September. This was a 0.5 of a percentage point decrease from August’s revised rate of 10.5 percent and a 0.6 percentage-point increase over the year.