High Country Times

52.3 percent of North Wilkesboro residents between 16 and 65 years old were unemployed in 2017, according to data obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau.

The percentage of unemployed residents was greater than the statewide total of 37.4 percent for this demographic group. In 2017 the total North Wilkesboro population reached 3,431.

Out of 1,637 people who had a job, all belonged to the civilian labor force.

The total unemployment numbers include residents of all ages who are not working.

Employment status	Number of people	Percentage of population
Not employed	1,794	52.3
Employed	1,637	47.7
Employed in civilian labor force	1,637	47.7
Employed in armed forces	0	0