Beaufort County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.1 percent in October to 4.3 percent in November, according to information compiled by the Labor & Economics Analysis Division of the N.C. Department of Commerce.

From October through November, unemployment rates increased in 56 counties, decreased in 14 counties and remained unchanged in 30 counties. The state jobless rate increased from 3.4 percent in October to 3.5 percent in November, according to LEAD data. Scotland County had the highest jobless rate in November at 6.6 percent. Buncombe County posted the lowest jobless rate in October at 2.7 percent.

Five of the state’s 15 metro areas experienced rate increases in November, with three experiencing decreases and the remainder remained unchanged. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount at 4.8 percent had the highest rate and Asheville had the lowest rate at 2.8 percent.

“The final economic data releases of 2018 continue to highlight NC’s expanding economy. Nearly all major monthly labor market data show an improvement from 2017 with two exceptions. The labor force participation rate has fallen 0.5 points over the year. And initial unemployment insurance claims are significantly elevated from a year ago — which may only be temporary while areas recover from Hurricane Florence. The Philly Fed’s October leading indicator index portends a positive start to 2019 with North Carolina hitting its second highest according to a statement included in the June employment-rate report issued by the department.”

For November, Beaufort County’s jobless rate was ranked 68^th in the state. The month before it was ranked 75^th.

For November, Beaufort County’s workforce totaled 19,933 people. Of that number, 850 were unable to find work, and 19,089 were on the job. Beaufort County’s October workforce totaled 19,939 people, with 19,135 of them working on drawing paychecks. Of that workforce, 804 people were unable to find employment

Hyde County’s jobless rate increased from 5.1 percent in October to 5.8 percent in November. In November 2017, its unemployment rate was at 7.1 percent.

From October through November, Martin County’s unemployment rate increased from 4.3 percent to 4.4 percent. In November 2017, its jobless rate was at 5.6 percent.

Pitt County’s jobless rate was at 3.7 percent in October, unchanged in November. In November 2017, its unemployment rate was at 4.6 percent.

Washington County’s unemployment rate increased from 5.2 percent in October to 5.5 percent in November. In November 2017, the county’s jobless rate was at 7 percent.