Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.4% with the biggest shift in Manufacturing, which gained 400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC market rose by 1,275 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 40 bps to 5.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC unemployment rate is 115 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 200 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 1.9% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.3% . Key sectors include:

  • Manufacturing: 39,900; +400
  • Transportation & Utilities: 31,000; -200
  • Government: 22,000; +100
  • Education & Healthcare: 18,300; +100
  • Business Services: 13,300; -100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 13,000; +200
  • Construction, Mining: 4,900; no change
  • Other Jobs: 4,400; no change
  • Financial Services: 3,100; no change
  • IT & Development: 700; no change
Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.