Department of Numbers

West Virginia Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for West Virginia rose 0.2 percentage points in October 2023 to 4.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.1 percentage points higher than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in West Virginia peaked in April 2020 at 15.7% and is now 11.7 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.3% in April 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.7 percentage points. You can also see West Virginia unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
West Virginia 4.0% +0.2 -0.1

Note: All comparisons are made with October data as November state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: West Virginia, National

West Virginia monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

West Virginia Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in West Virginia peaked in April 2020 at 119,779. There are now 87,801 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 25,546 in May 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 6,432. West Virginia job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
West Virginia 31,978 +1,656 -279

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in West Virginia from 1990 to October 2023

West Virginia Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
West Virginia
Unemployment Rate
West Virginia
Unemployed
November 2023 3.7%
October 2023 3.9% 4.0% 31,978
September 2023 3.8% 3.8% 30,322
August 2023 3.8% 3.6% 28,256
July 2023 3.5% 3.4% 26,482
June 2023 3.6% 3.3% 25,826
May 2023 3.7% 3.3% 25,546
April 2023 3.4% 3.3% 25,965
March 2023 3.5% 3.4% 26,866
February 2023 3.6% 3.7% 28,813
January 2023 3.4% 3.9% 30,916
December 2022 3.5% 4.1% 31,859