Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.4% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 12,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC market rose by 5,501 jobs in July and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 4.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 43 bps over the same time to 5.7%.

  • Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC unemployment rate is 126 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 500 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in July versus prior month by 3.1% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment July 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.4%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 251,100; -300
  • Business Services: 218,300; +3,600
  • Government: 138,000; -12,600
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 135,800; +500
  • Education & Healthcare: 120,700; +200
  • Financial Services: 112,300; +1,400
  • Manufacturing: 103,600; +400
  • Construction, Mining: 71,900; +1,700
  • Other Jobs: 44,300; +500
  • IT & Development: 23,900; +100
Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC Unemployment by Industry July 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through July 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 1, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.