“All of the state’s 100 counties continue to be challenged by this recession," said ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr. "But, in its role to help maintain economic stability in communities across North Carolina, the ESC has paid nearly $3 billion dollars in benefits over the course of a year." Counties in North Carolina major metropolitan area received the highest amount in unemployment insurance benefits in May. Those seek work in Mecklenburg received $25.9 million. In Wake County $20.3 million went to jobless benefits, and $12.6 million was paid out in Guilford County.

Seventy-two counties posted jobless rates of 10 percent or greater. Rates decreased in 16 counties and remained the same in two.

Currituck County had the state’s lowest unemployment rate in May, at 6.3 percent. The greatest unemployment was reported in Scotland County at 17.2 percent.