Each month, we ask Fifth District business owners about recent changes in economic conditions and their expectations.
Regional Economic Snapshot

This update on the Fifth District economy includes timely analysis of labor market, housing, and other conditions at the state and metro area level.
Snapshot By State
District of Columbia
Payroll employment in the District of Columbia increased by 1,400 jobs (0.2 percent) in December. The unemployment rate edged down 0.1 percentage point to 5.5 percent.
Maryland
Maryland payroll employment increased by 200 jobs (0.0 percent) in December. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.1 percent.
North Carolina
Payroll employment in North Carolina increased by 10,600 jobs in December (0.2 percent). The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7 percent.
South Carolina
Payroll employment in South Carolina increased in December, adding 4,500 jobs (0.2 percent). The unemployment rate is currently at 4.7 percent, declining slightly by 0.1 percentage points.
Virginia
Payroll employment in Virginia increased by 4,900 jobs (0.1 percent) in December. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.0 percent.
West Virginia
Payroll employment in West Virginia fell by 100 jobs (0.0 percent) in December. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.2 percent.
Related Content
These posts examine local, regional and national data that matter to the Fifth District economy and our communities.
Updated weekly, this set of charts is used during policy discussions and meetings with our board of directors.
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