West Virginia Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for West Virginia rose 0.1 percentage points in November 2019 to 4.9%. 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 3.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 4.6% in August 2019, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.3 percentage points. You can also see West Virginia unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	November 2019	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.5%	-0.1	-0.2
West Virginia	4.9%	+0.1	-0.2

Note: All comparisons are made with November data as December 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 32,508 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 36,836 in August 2019, the number of unemployed has now grown by 2,438. West Virginia job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	November 2019	Month/Month	Year/Year
West Virginia	39,274	+1,215	-1,071

Number of Unemployed Persons

West Virginia Unemployment History

Date	National Unemployment Rate	West Virginia Unemployment Rate	West Virginia Unemployed
December 2019	3.5%	—	—
November 2019	3.5%	4.9%	39,274
October 2019	3.6%	4.8%	38,059
September 2019	3.5%	4.7%	37,153
August 2019	3.7%	4.6%	36,836
July 2019	3.7%	4.7%	36,997
June 2019	3.7%	4.7%	37,324
May 2019	3.6%	4.8%	37,844
April 2019	3.6%	4.9%	38,613
March 2019	3.8%	5.1%	39,991
February 2019	3.8%	5.2%	40,611
January 2019	4.0%	5.2%	40,653