West Virginia Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for West Virginia fell 0.1 percentage points in August 2018 to 5.3%. The state unemployment rate was 1.4 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in West Virginia peaked in October 2010 at 8.8% and is now 3.5 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 5.0% in March 2017, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.3 percentage points. You can also see West Virginia unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	August 2018	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.9%	0.0	-0.5
West Virginia	5.3%	-0.1	+0.1

Unemployment Rate: West Virginia, National

Note: Recessions shown in gray

West Virginia Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in West Virginia peaked in November 2010 at 71,782. There are now 30,513 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 38,469 in May 2017, the number of unemployed has now grown by 2,800. West Virginia job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	August 2018	Month/Month	Year/Year
West Virginia	41,269	-873	+724

Number of Unemployed Persons

West Virginia Unemployment History

Date	National Unemployment Rate	West Virginia Unemployment Rate	West Virginia Unemployed
August 2018	3.9%	5.3%	41,269
July 2018	3.9%	5.4%	42,142
June 2018	4.0%	5.3%	41,983
May 2018	3.8%	5.4%	42,273
April 2018	3.9%	5.4%	42,224
March 2018	4.1%	5.4%	42,193
February 2018	4.1%	5.4%	42,210
January 2018	4.1%	5.4%	42,138
December 2017	4.1%	5.4%	42,251
November 2017	4.1%	5.4%	42,337
October 2017	4.1%	5.4%	42,187
September 2017	4.2%	5.3%	41,471