Neighboring counties also saw March rate decreases: Alleghany decreased 0.9 percent to 11 percent, down 0.8 percent over-the-year (OTY); Avery fell 0.3 to 12.3 percent, with no OTY change; Watauga also fell 0.3 to 8.6 percent, dropping just 0.1 percent OTY; and Wilkes fell 0.6 to 10.4 percent, with a 0.5 percent OTY decrease.

Unemployment rates — not seasonally adjusted — decreased in 99 N.C. counties in March, and remained the same in one, Wilson. All 14 of the State’s metropolitasn areas saw rate decreases. Graham County, at 17.8 percent, had the highest unemployment rate, while Orange County had the lowest at 5.6 percent. Among the metro areas, Rocky Mount experienced the highest rate at 12.5 percent, and Durham-Chapel Hill had the lowest at 6.7 percent.

When compared to March of last year, not seasonally-adjusted unemployment rates fell in 78 counties, increased in 14 and remained unchanged in eight. Twelve of the 14 metro areas experienced over-the-year rate decreases, while one, Goldsboro, saw an increase, and one, Fayetteville, remained the same.

North Carolina’s statewide March not seasonally-adjusted jobless rate was 8.9 percent. Statewide unemployment benefits paid from April, 2012, to March, 2013, totalled $2,692,682,831 for all programs.

Nationwide, the seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate fell to 7.6 percent in February, down 0.1 percent OTM and 0.6 OTY, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The latest BLS Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey shows there are 3.1 unemployed per job opening.

Larry Parker, spokesman for the DES, said N.C. unemployment reform policies will be implemented beginning July 1. Claimants currently drawing benefits will not be affected, but after that date maximum weekly benefits will be reduced to $350, with a maximum benefit duration of 20 weeks.

Employers’ State Unemployment Tax Assessment (SUTA) rates will also be increased effective July 1, Parker said, as will a 20 percent surcharge on employers’ SUTA contibution.