Overall unemployment rate stayed flat with the biggest shift in Transportation & Utilities, which lost 1,000 roles, based on the most recently available information published in March 2021.

Total employment in the Asheville, NC market rose by 1,091 jobs in January and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 31 bps over the same time to 6.8%.

  • Asheville, NC unemployment rate is 131 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 210 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in January versus prior month by 8.6% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Asheville, NC Unemployment January 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -1.5%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 35,600; -1,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 34,800; -600
  • Government: 25,400; -200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 22,600; -1,000
  • Manufacturing: 21,500; +400
  • Business Services: 18,500; -200
  • Construction, Mining: 9,400; -100
  • Other Jobs: 9,000; no change
  • Financial Services: 6,200; -100
  • IT & Development: 1,600; no change
Asheville, NC Unemployment by Industry January 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through January 2021 (Data published March 2021 and reports created on March 25, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.