CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte-region unemployment rose in May, eclipsing the 10 percent mark in three surrounding counties, according to data released Friday by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Division of Employment Security.
Unemployment in the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill metro region increased to 9.5 percent from 9.1 percent, just slightly above the statewide unemployment rate of 9.4 percent. Rates are not seasonally adjusted.
In Mecklenburg County, the unemployment rate increased to 9.6 percent, up 0.6 percent from April and down 1 percent since last year.
May unemployment rose in 76 of North Carolina’s 100 counties, though compared to the same month last year, unemployment was down in 88.
Unemployment rates in Charlotte’s surrounding counties:
- Gaston County- 10.3 percent; down from 11.5 percent in May 2011
- Union County - 8 percent ; down from 9 percent in May 2011
- Cabarrus County - 9.1 percent; down from 9.8 percent in May 2011
- Iredall County - 9.8 percent; down from 11.3 percent in May 2011
- Catawba County - 10.8 percent; down from 12.4 percent in May 2011
- Lincoln County - 10.1 percent; down from 11.6 percent last year
