Unemployment rates decreased in all 100 North Carolina counties in April. 

Hyde County had the highest unemployment rate at 7.9 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest at 2.8 percent. 

All 15 of the state’s metro areas had rate decreases. Among them, Rocky Mount at 5.8 percent had the highest rate. Asheville had the lowest rate at 3 percent. 

The April statewide rate was 3.7 percent, not seasonally adjusted. 

Rowan County’s unemployment rate dropped from 4.4 percent in March to 3.7 percent in April. That’s also an improvement from the April 2017 rate of 4.3 percent.

Cabarrus County has an unemployment rate of 3.4 percent, down from 3.9 in March. The April 2017 rate was 3.8 percent.

Davidson reports a 3.5 percent unemployment rate, down from 4 percent in March and 3.9 percent in April 2017.

Davie’s rate fell slightly to 3.3 percent from 3.8 percent in March and 3.8 in April 2017.

The rate in Iredell County was 3.4 percent, down from 3.9 in April and 3.8 in April 2017.

Stanly County’s unemployment rate is 3.4 percent, down from 4.0 in March and 3.7 in April 2017.

When compared to the same month last year, unemployment rates decreased in 95 counties, increased in three, and remained unchanged in two. All 15 metro areas had rate decreases over the year.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in April by 20,026 to 4,799,821, while those unemployed decreased by 29,941 to 185,478. Since April 2017, the number of workers employed statewide has increased 78,248, while those unemployed decreased 17,614.

 Officials say it is important to note that employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns. They say it is better to focus on year-to-year changes.

 The next unemployment update is scheduled for June 15 when the state unemployment rate for May will be released