Overall unemployment rate moved up to 7.1% with the biggest shift in Government, which lost 800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in July 2021.

Total employment in the Rocky Mount, NC market declined by 165 jobs in June and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 7.1%. The national unemployment rate increased by 60 bps over the same time to 6.1%.

  • Rocky Mount, NC unemployment rate is 101 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 390 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in June versus prior month by -1.5% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Rocky Mount, NC Unemployment June 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.2%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 12,000; +200
  • Manufacturing: 9,300; +100
  • Government: 9,200; -800
  • Education & Healthcare: 6,100; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 5,300; +200
  • Business Services: 4,900; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 2,600; +100
Rocky Mount, NC Unemployment by Industry June 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through June 2021 (Data published July 2021 and reports created on July 28, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.