West Virginia Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for West Virginia fell 0.2 percentage points in January 2023 to 3.9%. The state unemployment rate was 0.5 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 11.8 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.6% in March 2022, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.3 percentage points. You can also see West Virginia unemployment compared to other states.
Unemployment Rate | January 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
National | 3.4% | -0.1 | -0.6 |
West Virginia | 3.9% | -0.2 | +0.1 |
Note: All comparisons are made with January data as February 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 April 2020 at 119,779. There are now 88,867 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 28,568 in March 2022, the number of unemployed has now grown by 2,344. West Virginia job growth data is also available.
Unemployed Persons | January 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
West Virginia | 30,912 | -947 | +1,035 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
West Virginia Unemployment History
Date | National Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployed |
---|---|---|---|
February 2023 | 3.6% | — | — |
January 2023 | 3.4% | 3.9% | 30,912 |
December 2022 | 3.5% | 4.1% | 31,859 |
November 2022 | 3.6% | 4.1% | 32,000 |
October 2022 | 3.7% | 4.1% | 32,257 |
September 2022 | 3.5% | 4.1% | 32,429 |
August 2022 | 3.7% | 4.1% | 32,290 |
July 2022 | 3.5% | 4.0% | 31,603 |
June 2022 | 3.6% | 3.9% | 30,592 |
May 2022 | 3.6% | 3.8% | 29,567 |
April 2022 | 3.6% | 3.7% | 28,821 |
March 2022 | 3.6% | 3.6% | 28,568 |