Helene’s Aftermath: Western NC Labor Market Suffers Significant Job Losses

Storm Wiped Out Nearly 19,000 Positions, Report Finds

Hurricane Helene’s impact on Western North Carolina extended far beyond flooded streets and damaged homes, triggering a sharp decline in the region’s labor market. A comprehensive report from the North Carolina Department of Commerce reveals the storm’s devastating effect on employment across various sectors.

Storm Deluge Causes Widespread Job Cuts

In the aftermath of Helene’s passage on September 27, 2024, the region experienced a substantial blow to its workforce. Total employment across all industries in Western North Carolina dropped by nearly 19,000 jobs, marking a 2.8% contraction. This loss occurred in a region that previously accounted for approximately 14% of the state’s total workforce.

Buncombe County Faces Steepest Employment Decline

Buncombe County bore the brunt of these job losses, with nearly 13,000 positions eliminated, a significant 9.3% decrease in employment. Other counties also faced severe repercussions. Avery County saw the sharpest percentage drop, with employment falling 13.5%. Mitchell and Yancey counties also reported substantial declines, at 6.5% and 11.4%, respectively.

Leisure and Hospitality Hit Hardest

The leisure and hospitality sector was particularly devastated, losing approximately 14,000 jobs, a 15.6% reduction. Manufacturing also experienced a downturn, with a 1.6% job loss, while the “Other Services” sector saw a 4.9% decline in employment.

Conversely, some sectors showed resilience and even growth. Trade, transportation, and utilities, along with education and health services, recorded an increase in employment following the hurricane. Despite these gains in certain areas, overall job levels have not yet fully recovered to pre-storm figures.

The report highlights that while job numbers have stabilized, full recovery to pre-hurricane levels remains an ongoing challenge for the Western North Carolina economy. The North Carolina Department of Commerce continues to monitor the situation and support recovery efforts.

For further details on the labor market impacts of Hurricane Helene, the full report is available via the North Carolina Department of Commerce.