Johnston County Unemployment Rate Among Lowest In Eastern North Carolina

SMITHFIELD, N.C. – Johnston County continued to post one of the stronger labor markets in the region in April, recording a 3.0 percent unemployment rate — well below the statewide average of 3.7 percent.

New county-level data released alongside North Carolina’s monthly employment report shows Johnston County outperforming several neighboring counties, including Wayne, Harnett, Sampson, and Nash.

Johnston County’s labor force stood at 130,457 people in April, with 126,517 employed and 3,940 unemployed.

Among surrounding counties:

• Wake County also posted a 3.0 percent unemployment rate, matching Johnston County while maintaining the state’s largest labor force at more than 695,000 workers.
• Harnett County recorded a 3.7 percent unemployment rate, with 2,246 unemployed residents.
• Wayne County posted a 3.6 percent unemployment rate.
• Sampson County came in at 3.6 percent.
• Nash County reported one of the region’s higher unemployment rates at 4.4 percent.

The figures highlight the continued economic growth occurring in Johnston County, where residential development, retail expansion, manufacturing investment, and logistics growth have helped fuel job creation.

Communities including Clayton, Smithfield, and Selma have all experienced rapid growth in recent years, contributing to increased demand for workers in construction, healthcare, hospitality, and transportation industries.

According to the N.C. Department of Commerce, North Carolina’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.7 percent in April, while the national unemployment rate held steady at 4.3 percent.

North Carolina added 16,000 nonfarm jobs during the month, led by gains in leisure and hospitality, professional and business services, and construction. Manufacturing was the only major industry sector to report a decline in April.

Among all 100 counties, Hyde County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 8.5 percent, while Currituck County and Stanly County tied for the lowest at 2.8 percent.