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Stanly County’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.2% during June, July and August, according to the latest figures released Wednesday by the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The county also remained 15th lowest for unemployment in the state throughout the three months.

The rate was 3.8% at this time last year.

Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) increased in 41 of North Carolina’s counties in August, decreased in 28 and remained unchanged in 31.

Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate at 6.2% while Swain County had the lowest at 2.7%. Seven of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, two increased and six remained unchanged.

Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount had the highest rate at 5.0% while Asheville had the lowest at 2.9%. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 3.6%.

When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates decreased in 99 counties and increased in one. All 15 of the state’s metro areas experienced rate decreases over the year.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in August by 16,778 to 5,082,569, while those unemployed increased by 412 to 189,342. Since August 2022, the number of workers employed statewide increased 129,781, while those unemployed decreased 25,754.