DURHAM -- Unemployment in Durham was unchanged in October, holding steady at 8 percent.
Across North Carolina, 74 of the state's 100 counties saw rates rise, 19 saw levels decrease and six besides Durham remained unchanged.
"While some of the increases are seasonal, there is a continued effect throughout the state from this recession," said ESC Chairman Moses Carey Jr.
North Carolina had 49 counties which were at or below the state's unadjusted unemployment rate of 10.7 percent.
Currituck County had the state's lowest unemployment rate in October, at 6 percent. Scotland County had the highest unemployment rate, at 17.2 percent.
The five counties receiving the highest amount in unemployment insurance benefits in October were: Mecklenburg, $21.9 million; Wake, $17 million; Guilford, $10.3 million; Forsyth, $6.5 million; and Gaston, $5.7 million.
