West Virginia Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for West Virginia fell 0.1 percentage points in December 2018 to 5.1%. The state unemployment rate was 1.2 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 3.7 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 5.0% in March 2017, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.1 percentage points. You can also see West Virginia unemployment compared to other states.
Unemployment Rate | December 2018 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
National | 3.9% | +0.2 | -0.2 |
West Virginia | 5.1% | -0.1 | -0.3 |
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 November 2010 at 71,782. There are now 31,678 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 38,469 in May 2017, the number of unemployed has now grown by 1,635. West Virginia job growth data is also available.
Unemployed Persons | December 2018 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
---|---|---|---|
West Virginia | 40,104 | -150 | -2,147 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
West Virginia Unemployment History
Date | National Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployed |
---|---|---|---|
January 2019 | 4.0% | — | — |
December 2018 | 3.9% | 5.1% | 40,104 |
November 2018 | 3.7% | 5.2% | 40,254 |
October 2018 | 3.8% | 5.2% | 40,511 |
September 2018 | 3.7% | 5.2% | 40,700 |
August 2018 | 3.8% | 5.3% | 41,265 |
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 | 4.0% | 5.4% | 42,193 |
February 2018 | 4.1% | 5.4% | 42,210 |