Overall unemployment rate moved down to 5.2% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the Rocky Mount, NC market rose by 163 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 5.2%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Rocky Mount, NC unemployment rate is 131 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 100 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in February versus prior month by -3.1% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Rocky Mount, NC Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.0% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 11,400; -200
  • Manufacturing: 11,000; +200
  • Government: 10,700; +300
  • Education & Healthcare: 6,600; +100
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 5,100; no change
  • Business Services: 4,000; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 2,600; +100
Rocky Mount, NC Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.