What is the unemployment rate in the right now?

Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in the Hickory, NC area was at 3.3% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point decrease from a year before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It helps indicate the overall condition of the Hickory-Lenoir-Morganton, NC Metro Area job market.
In April 2026,

3.3%

of the labor force was unemployed in Hickory, NC area
April 2026 had a

-0.1

percentage point change from April 2025
Metro area-level unemployment data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not account for fluctuations due to seasonal employment patterns, such as tourism or agriculture. That means the data may show large changes month to month. It’s important to view this local data with a long-term lens.

The unemployment rate in Hickory, NC area was lower in April 2026 (YTD) compared with January 2019.

Unemployment rate by month, not seasonally adjusted, 2019-2026 (YTD)

Unemployment rates differ between urban areas due to various factors. The types of industries present in an area may affect unemployment rates. Seasonal work in industries like tourism can cause unemployment to go up and down. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.

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How does unemployment in the Hickory, NC area compare to other metros?

Unemployment rates are an indicator of economic health, and comparing these rates across different metropolitan areas can provide insights. The Hickory, NC area, like many other regions, has experienced fluctuations in its unemployment rate over time. Understanding how the Hickory, NC area fares in comparison to other metropolitan areas can help identify economic challenges and opportunities. The current unemployment rate in the Hickory, NC area is a metric to consider. Historical trends show that the unemployment rate in this region has varied, reflecting broader economic conditions and local industry shifts. By comparing the Hickory, NC area's unemployment rate with those of other metropolitan areas, we can gain a clearer picture of its economic standing. For instance, examining the unemployment rates in metropolitan areas such as Metro Area 1, Metro Area 2, and Metro Area 3 can provide a comparative perspective. These comparisons can highlight whether the Hickory, NC area is performing better or worse than its peers and can shed light on potential factors driving these differences. Several factors can influence unemployment rates, including economic policies, industry presence, and social dynamics. In the Hickory, NC area, specific industries may play a role in shaping employment trends. Similarly, other metropolitan areas may have unique economic drivers that impact their unemployment rates. In conclusion, comparing the unemployment rate in the Hickory, NC area with other metropolitan areas reveals insights into its economic health. Monitoring these rates is important for economic planning and policy-making, helping to address unemployment challenges and leverage opportunities for growth. Data sources for this analysis include government reports and economic studies, ensuring the information is credible and up-to-date.
Among 113 metro areas with 100,000 to 250,000 people in the labor force, the Hickory, NC area had the 30th lowest unemployment rate in April 2026.
Other areas with similar unemployment rates to the Hickory, NC area's 3.3% unemployment rate were the Wilmington, NC area (3.3%) and the Springfield, MO area (3.3%).

In April 2026, the Hickory, NC area had the 30th lowest unemployment rate among metro areas with 100,000 to 250,000 people in the labor force.

Unemployment rate, not seasonally adjusted (Circle size corresponds to the size of the labor force)

Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)

Unemployment rate, by metro area (April 2026)
1.

El Centro, CA area

16.5%
2.

Yuma, AZ area

13.9%
3.

Visalia, CA area

10.2%
4.

Merced, CA area

9.6%
5.

Hanford, CA area

8.9%
6.

Bakersfield, CA area

8.7%
7.

Guayama, PR area

8.6%
8.

Eagle Pass, TX area

8.5%
9.

Fresno, CA area

8.1%
10.

Wildwood, FL area

7.9%

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Methodology

USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.

The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.

Page sources

USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.