Beaufort County’s unemployment rate increased for the second straight month, rising from 6.7 percent in May to 7 percent in June, according to data released by the N.C. Department of Commerce’s Labor and Economic Analysis Division.

Of the state’s 100 counties, 95 saw their unemployment rates increase from May to June, four experienced declines in their jobless rates and one county’s unemployment rate remained the same. The state’s unemployment rate increased from 5.9 percent in May to 6.1 percent in June.

Several sources, including state and regional officials, attribute the unemployment rate increased in May and June, in part, to those college and high school graduates entering the workforce but unable to find jobs so far.

In June, there were 20,139 people in the Beaufort County workforce, according to LEAD information. Of that number, 1,412 people did not have jobs and 18,727 were bringing home paychecks, according to LEAD data. In May, Beaufort County’s workforce was at 19,877 people. Out of that number, 1,356 people were unemployed and 18,521 were on the job, according to LEAD figures.

Three counties had unemployment rates at 5 percent or less in June, with 93 counties having jobless rates between 5 percent and 10 percent, according to LEAD figures. Four counties had unemployment rates at or above 10 percent. In June, Graham County has the highest jobless rate at 12.3 percent, while Buncombe County had the lowest jobless rate at 4.7 percent.

Hyde County’s unemployment rate for June was 7 percent, down from 7.8 percent in May. That decrease is being attributed, in part, to more seasonal jobs in the agricultural and commercial fishing areas.

Martin County’s jobless rate for June was 8.4 percent, up from 7.6 percent in May.

Washington County’s unemployment rate for June was 8.9 percent, up from 8.8 percent in May.

Pitt County’s jobless rate for June was 6.9 percent, up from 6.6 percent in May.

 

The Greenville-Washington combined statistical area’s unemployment rate was at 6.9 percent in June, up from 6.6 percent in May.

The jobless figures released by the state do not include unemployed people whose unemployment insurance benefits expired and who are not listed as unemployed. Factor in those people and a county’s true jobless rate is higher.