North Carolina’s statewide unemployent rate (not seasonally adjusted) was 9.7 percent last month.

This was a 0.2 percentage-point decrease from July’s rate of 9.9 percent, and a 1.1 percentage-point decrease over the year. Unemployment rates decreased in 72 of North Carolina’s 100 counties last month, increased in 18 and were unchanged in 10.

The unemployment statistics from Aug. of last year were slightly more promising with unemployment rates decreasing in 92 counties, increasing in six and remaining the same in two. However, total, year-wide rates from 2012 are lower than they were in 2011.

The number of workers employed (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in Aug. by 29,877 to 4,219,378, while thos unempl9oyed fell 12,777 to 451,806. Since Aug. 2011, the number of workers unemployed decreased 51,092, while those employed increased 52, 752.

It is important to note that employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns’ therefore, it is advisable to focus on the over-the-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted series.

Reach Darcie Dyer at 835-1513 or ddyer@heartlandpublications.com.