Official unemployment figures for the Asheville economy were updated today. Numbers for January have been finalized and preliminary figures for February have now been made available.

January

The unemployment rate increased to 2.9% in January. 848 positions were lost, and 110 workers entered the labor force causing the unemployment rate increase. Nonfarm payrolls fell by 5,100. No individual sector saw significant employment changes.

February (preliminary)

The unemployment rate increased to 3.1% in February. 519 positions were lost, and 108 workers left the labor force causing the unemployment rate increase. Nonfarm payrolls increased by 1,300. No individual sector saw significant employment changes.

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