West Virginia Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for West Virginia fell 0.0 percentage points in December 2011 to 7.9%. The state unemployment rate was 0.6 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in West Virginia peaked in December 2010 at 9.7% and is now 1.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 7.9% in November 2011, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.0 percentage points. You can also see West Virginia unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | December 2011 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 8.5% | -0.2 | -0.9 |
| West Virginia | 7.9% | 0.0 | -1.8 |
Note: All comparisons are made with December data as January state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: West Virginia, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
West Virginia Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in West Virginia peaked in December 2010 at 75,628. There are now 13,960 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 61,444 in November 2011, the number of unemployed has now grown by 224. West Virginia job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | December 2011 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 61,668 | +224 | -13,960 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
West Virginia Unemployment History
| Date |
National Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 2012 | 8.3% | — | — |
| December 2011 | 8.5% | 7.9% | 61,668 |
| November 2011 | 8.7% | 7.9% | 61,444 |
| October 2011 | 8.9% | 8.2% | 63,558 |
| September 2011 | 9.0% | 8.2% | 63,846 |
| August 2011 | 9.1% | 8.1% | 62,481 |
| July 2011 | 9.1% | 8.1% | 62,979 |
| June 2011 | 9.1% | 8.5% | 66,035 |
| May 2011 | 9.0% | 8.6% | 67,394 |
| April 2011 | 9.0% | 8.8% | 68,728 |
| March 2011 | 8.9% | 9.1% | 71,537 |
| February 2011 | 9.0% | 9.4% | 73,463 |
| January 2011 | 9.1% | 9.6% | 75,177 |
