Overall unemployment rate moved up to 5.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Rocky Mount, NC market rose by 478 jobs in October and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 5.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 30 bps over the same time to 4.3%.

  • Rocky Mount, NC unemployment rate is 154 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 300 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 12.4% 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 October 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 2.0% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 11,900; -100
  • Government: 10,400; +500
  • Manufacturing: 9,500; +300
  • Education & Healthcare: 6,200; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 5,200; +100
  • Business Services: 5,000; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 2,600; no change
Rocky Mount, NC Unemployment by Industry October 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on December 2, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.