Beaufort County’s Feb. employment figures signal slight growth | Eastern North Carolina Now

    According to figures released yesterday by the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, Beaufort County's unemployment rate improved just slightly in the second month of 2011.

    In February 2011, according to the NCESC, the percentage of Beaufort County residents, over the age of 15, who reported being unsuccessful in procuring employment for pay was 10.7 percent; a 0.3-percent decrease from the January 2011 jobless rate of 11 percent, up from 10.4 percent in December 2010.

    Unemployment rates similarly decreased in 92 other North Carolina counties in February. Rates increased in just one county and remained stagnant in six.

    Still, Beaufort County's unemployment rate for February leaves much to be desired, at one point above the state unemployment rate of 9.7 percent and 0.8 percent above the national rate of 8.8 percent.

    According to the ESC, Beaufort County's labor force in February totaled 20,440 people, of which 18,257 were employed and 2,183 unemployed. In January, Beaufort County's labor force totaled 20,301 people, of which 18,071 were employed and 2,230 unemployed. In December 2010, Beaufort County's labor force totaled 20,178 people: 18,076 employed and 2,102 unemployed.

    Even though the number of Beaufort County employed has risen slightly over the past three months; historically, the figure still remains rather low. For example, in October 2009, Beaufort County's workforce totaled 22,071, of which 19,753 were employed and 2,318 were unemployed.

    Those who don't file unemployment or receive a pay check are not counted among the labor force. There are many reasons why someone would not file unemployment or receive a pay check, and one can only speculate as to why Beaufort County's labor force is declining. A person may have already received the maximum-allowed unemployment benefits, or they could have turned to self employment. Furthermore, though recent Census figures are not available, it makes sense that people might be moving from Beaufort County to more economically active areas.

    According to a chart compiled by the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, production occupations, such as factory jobs, provided more employment than any other occupation--2,660 jobs throughout Beaufort County--in 2010. In that same year, management occupations were the most lucrative, with an estimated average wage of $39.52. Personal care and service occupations were the most unprofitable, with an estimated average wage of $9.26.

Occupational Employment Statistics - provided by NCESC