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West Virginia

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West Virginia payroll employment increased by 400 jobs (0.1 percent) in September. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "West Virginia's labor market improved slightly in September as payroll employment increased 0.1 percent in the month while the state's unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent." – Joseph Mengedoth
  • West Virginia payroll employment increased by 400 jobs (0.1 percent), on net, in September. Gains of 400 jobs were reported in the following sectors: education and health services, professional and business services, and trade, transportation, and utilities. Job losses in the month were reported in construction (400 jobs), government (300 jobs), manufacturing (100 jobs), and leisure and hospitality (100 jobs).
  • On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in West Virginia increased by 6,400 jobs (0.9 percent), on net. The most jobs were added over the year in education and health services (6,600 jobs). The only industries that lost jobs over the past year were trade, transportation, and utilities (2,100 jobs) and manufacturing (1,200 jobs).
  • The labor force grew slightly and the number of unemployed people increased; however, the unemployment rate in West Virginia was unchanged at 4.2 percent in September.

Housing Market icon showing a picture of a house Housing Market Conditions

  • In West Virginia, the number of residential permits issued decreased by 12.8 percent in September 2024 compared to August 2024. Compared to September 2023, the number of permits issued rose by 10.4 percent.
  • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values appreciated by 4.1 percent in Q2 of 2024 compared to Q1 of 2024. Home values grew by 10.4 percent in Q2 of 2024 compared to Q2 of 2023.
Snapshot Resources
  • Term Definitions

    Payroll Employment
    The number of nonfarm jobs (persons on payrolls) according to where those jobs are located.

    Unemployment Rate
    The number of unemployed persons (those not employed but available and searching for work) as a percent of the civilian labor force (the total number of employed plus unemployed persons).

    Industry Structure
    A breakdown of total nonfarm jobs by industry. Percentages sum to 100 percent.

    Industry Growth
    The percentage change in jobs in each industry from a year ago.

    Building Permits
    The number of privately owned single-family and multi-family units authorized in permit-issuing places.

    House Price Index
    A repeat sales index, measuring average price changes in repeat sales or refinancings on the same single-family properties.

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Joseph Mengedoth (804) 762-2285