RALEIGH — Unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 97 of North Carolina’s counties in April, increased in two and remained the same in one. All 14 of the State’s metro areas experienced rate decreases, according to statistics released by the state commerce department.

Graham County had the highest unemployment rate at 15.9 percent while Orange County had the lowest at 5.3 percent. Among the Metro areas, Rocky Mount at 12.3 percent experienced the highest rate and Durham-Chapel Hill at 6.3 percent had the lowest.

The April not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 8.5 percent. When compared to the same month last year, not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates fell in 76 counties, increased in 19 and remained unchanged in five. Twelve metro areas experienced rate decreases, while two experienced rate increases.

The number of workers employed statewide (not seasonally adjusted) increased in April  by 17,251 to 4,291,469, while those unemployed fell 19,921 to 398,043. Since April 2012, the number of workers employed statewide increased 26,567, while those unemployed decreased 20,171.

It is important to note that employment estimates are subject to large seasonal patterns; therefore, it is advisable to focus on over-the-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted estimates.