WHQR: Unemployment Rates Jump Across Region (2009-04-01)

Local Interest

Unemployment Rates Jump Across Region

Catherine M. Welch (2009-04-01)

WILMINGTON, NC (whqr) - Eighty-three of North Carolina's 100 counties have jobless rates topping 10%. While both New Hanover and Onslow counties have maintained unemployment rates under that benchmark.

New Hanover and Onslow counties saw a jump in their unemployment rates, but managed to keep them under 10%.

The numbers for February show Brunswick County's jobless rate at 12.5% and Pender County's at 12.2%. Columbus County leads the region at 14.3%.

Larry Parker with the Employment Security Commission urges people without jobs to keep looking.

"And all we can do is encourage folks to keep working at finding a job out there, because eventually will turn around out there. So you've got to use our services, you've got to use any job seeking services you can."

The western part of the state saw the highest numbers, with Graham County's jobless rate reaching 17.9%.

February Unemployment Numbers
New Hanover County
Jan 09 = 8.8%
Feb 09 = 9.7%

Brunswick COunty
Jan 09 = 11.8%
Feb 09 = 12.5%

Pender County
Jan 09 = 11.2%
Feb 09 = 12.2%

Onslow County
Jan 09 = 8.4%
Feb 09 = 9.1%

Duplin COunty
Jan 09 = 10.5%
Feb 09 = 10.9%

Columbus County
Jan 09 = 13.4%
Feb 09 = 14.3%

North Carolina
Feb 09 = 11.3%

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