West Virginia Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for West Virginia rose 0.2 percentage points in November 2023 to 4.2%. 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 11.5 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.3% in April 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.9 percentage points. You can also see West Virginia unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | November 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 3.7% | -0.1 | +0.1 |
| West Virginia | 4.2% | +0.2 | +0.1 |
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 April 2020 at 119,779. There are now 86,899 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 25,546 in May 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 7,334. West Virginia job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | November 2023 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 32,880 | +903 | +880 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
West Virginia Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployment Rate |
West Virginia Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| December 2023 | 3.7% | — | — |
| November 2023 | 3.7% | 4.2% | 32,880 |
| October 2023 | 3.8% | 4.0% | 31,977 |
| 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 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
