by Leah Justice
leah.justice@tryondailybulletin.com

Polk County recorded the fifth lowest unemployment rate in the state for October with 4.2 percent of its residents being unemployed, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce.

Polk’s rate decreased from its September rate of 4.9 percent. Polk’s September 2013 unemployment rate was 4.8 percent and its October 2013 unemployment rate was 4.9 percent.

Henderson, Buncombe and Orange counties tied for second lowest unemployment rates in the state for October with rates of 4.0 percent while Chatham County had the lowest rate at 3.8 percent. Graham County had the highest unemployment rate in October at 11.2 percent. Nearby Rutherford County had a 7.2 percent unemployment rate in October. Asheville had the lowest metropolitan area unemployment rate at 4.1 percent.

Statewide, the unemployment rate was 5.5 percent for October, according to the N.C. Department of Commerce. The state rate dropped from 6.1 percent in September and is lower than the 7.2 percent state unemployment rate of October 2013.

Statewide, 98 counties dropped unemployment rates in October compared to September with two recording higher rates in October. All 14 metropolitan areas recorded lower rates in October compared to September.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in October by 48,712 to 4,421,890. Those unemployed decreased 25,861 to 256,897. Since October 2013, the number of workers employed statewide increased 76,544, while those unemployed decreased 82,505.

Polk County recorded the second lowest rate in the state in April this year with the same rate as it had in October at 4.2 percent. Polk moved to third in the state in May and June this year with an unemployment rate of 4.9 percent in May and a 4.7 percent in June.

The rates for November will be released by the N.C. Department of Commerce on Dec. 19.