News-Record.com

The state reported today that county unemployment rates plunged throughout the state last month.

Guilford County was no exception, according to data from the N.C. Employment Security Commission. The county's unemployment rate last month was 4.8 percent, down from 5.1 percent in July. Unemployment in the local Metropolitan Statistical Area, which covers cities including Greensboro and High Point, dropped to 5 percent from 5.3 percent.

"Employment numbers continue to be strong throughout the state and 88 counties have lower unemployment rates in August compared with this time last year," ESC Chairman Harry Payne Jr. said in a commission news release.

Of the state's 100 counties, 95 saw a drop in rates from July to August. Two counties - Currituck and Richmond - saw increases in rates, which three - Chowan, Northampton and Person - posted static numbers. State unemployment in August was 4.7 percent, the commission reported earlier this month.

Dare County had the state's lowest unemployment rate last month, at 2.3 percent, while Scotland County recorded the highest rate - 9.2 percent.

Guilford continues to be among the counties receiving the highest amount of unemployment insurance benefits, along with Mecklenberg, Wake, Cumberland and Forsyth counties. The state paid out $72.3 million in total unemployment benefits last month, up from $65.7 million during July.