RALEIGH – Unemployment in Chatham and Orange counties improved just before the start of the new school year as the two areas are second and third in the state, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

Both counties dropped 0.2 percent in July as Orange fell to 6.2 percent and Chatham fell to 6.1 percent. Currituck County remains the county with the lowest unemployment statewide at 5.3 percent.

Compared to the state rate of 8.9 percent, which saw an increase in July, the Triangle remains a strong area for jobs. Wake County saw a decrease of 0.1 percent to 7.2 in July; Durham County remained at 7.5 percent.

Compared to a year ago, Orange County is a whole point better from 7.2 to 6.2 percent; Chatham saw the same pattern from 7.1 to 6.1.

For the full report from the Labor and Economic Analysis Division, click here.