Dr. Jeremy Jackson, the Lloyd V. Hackley Chair for the Study of Capitalism and Free Enterprise at Fayetteville State University’s Broadwell College of Business and Economics, has released the latest edition of a quarterly economic outlook report covering the Fayetteville metro area, the state of North Carolina, and the nation. The report highlights recent trends in key economic indicators, including wages and salaries, gross domestic output, the unemployment rate and the local housing index, among others. In addition to visualizing the most recent data, the report presents a forecast extending through the first quarter of 2028, offering insight into potential future trends in the economy. The report and future releases are available in full on the Hackley Chair website.

“The national and state economies continue to be strong. The outlook for the Fayetteville metro area has also been improving. Wages are on the rise and the unemployment rate is on the decline.” Said Dr. Jackson. 

Executive Summary of the Q2 2026 Report 

The economic outlook for the U.S. economy remains positive. Economic growth is expected to continue supported by growth in consumer expenditures and a falling unemployment rate. Both net investment and corporate profits are expected to grow through 2027. Inflation is expected to continue at its current rate. 

The North Carolina economy continues to perform well, with strong growth in total wages and salaries expected to continue. Gross state product may see a short-term downturn, but the overall trend is towards growth. The labor market will continue to see low unemployment with a possible slight expansion in the labor force. Tax collections continue to follow their historic cyclical pattern. 

The outlook for the Fayetteville Metropolitan Area continues to improve. Wages are forecast to continue growing, and unemployment to continue declining. The housing index is expected to hold steady near its current level.  

Key Points

•  The economic outlook for the national economy is positive.  GDP, Consumption, Net Investment, and Profits are expected to grow, while the unemployment rate is expected to decline. 
• The outlook for North Carolina is positive, with growing wages and salaries expected. Gross state product may have a slight downturn in the short term but is expected to grow into 2027. 
• The outlook for the Fayetteville Metropolitan Area continues to improve.  
• Wages in Fayetteville are forecast to grow in 2026. 
• The Fayetteville housing index is forecast to hold near its current level.
• The Fayetteville unemployment rate is expected to continue its downward trend.

Click here to view the full Q2 report.