The unemployment rate in Wilmington rose to 2.0% in November, marking the second straight month of increases from October’s rate of 2.8%, according to the latest data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics,
- Despite this uptick, Wilmington maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates seen this year, ranking as the fourth-best monthly rate.
- Wilmington’s unemployment situation mirrors a broader national trend where 308 out of 389 metropolitan areas experienced higher unemployment rates in November compared to the same month last year.
The civilian labor force in Wilmington was reported at 165,594 for November, showing a slight decrease from October’s 165,615 but an increase compared to November of the previous year, when it stood at 164,811.
- This data suggests a resilient labor market in the area, with more individuals seeking or holding employment.
Best In Show: Wilmington’s figures are notably below the state average, with North Carolina reporting a 3.7% unemployment rate for the same period.
- This positions Wilmington as having the lowest unemployment rate among North Carolina’s 15 major metropolitan areas, underlining its relatively stronger employment landscape.
Bottom Line: Wilmington’s economy remains strong as the port city bucks both national and statewide trends.