Lenoir County unemployment rate reaches 12.4 percent

Lenoir County's unemployment rate reached 12.4 percent in January, according to a State Employment Security Commission report released today.

Lenoir was among 99 counties who experienced an increase in its unemployment rate for the month of January. Jones County's unemployment rate for the month was 12.3 percent while Greene County's rate jumped to 11.2 percent.

The last time Lenoir's unemployment rate reached 12.4 percent was June 2009. Lenoir's highest unemployment rate for 2009 was 12.5 percent reached in February.

"The current economy continues to influence nearly every major job sector, mainly in manufacturing and construction," ESC chairman Lynn Holmes said. "In our local employment offices, we see, as well, the impact on our citizens."

North Carolina had 41 counties which were at or below the state's unadjusted unemployment rate in January at 11.8 percent. Rates increased in all 14 of the state's metropolitan areas.

Orange County has the state's lowest unemployment rate in January, at 6.9 percent. Meanwhile, Graham County had the highest unemployment rate, at 19.3 percent.

Chris Lavender can be reached at 252 - 559 - 1078 or clavender@freedomenc.com

Lenoir County unemployment rate. Source: N.C. Employment Security Commission

Jan. 2010 - 12.4 percent

Jan. 2009 - 11.5 percent

Jan. 2008 - 5.9 percent

Jan. 2007 - 6 percent

Jan. 2006 - 5.6 percent

Jan. 2005 - 5.9 percent

Jan. 2004 - 6.7 percent