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Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

Virginia

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Payroll employment in Virginia increased by 600 jobs (0.0 percent) in April. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.8 percent.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "Virginia's labor market was little changed in April. Total payroll employment increased by only 600 jobs and the unemployment rate was unchanged." – Joseph Mengedoth
  • Total payroll employment in Virginia increased by 600 jobs (0.0 percent), on net, in April. The most jobs were added in the month in trade, transportation, and utilities (4,400 jobs), government (1,200 jobs), and construction (1,000 jobs). Those gains were largely offset by declines in "other" services (2,100 jobs) and education and health services (2,100 jobs).
  • On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in Virginia declined by 37,800 jobs (0.9 percent), on net. Compared to last year, the most jobs were lost in professional and business services (21,200 jobs), manufacturing (12,200 jobs), and government (4,800 jobs).
  • The unemployment rate in Virginia was unchanged at 3.8 percent in April.

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

  • New residential permits in April 2026 increased 9.3 from March 2026. Compared to April 2025, the number of residential permits issued has increased 17.3 percent.
  • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values in Virginia appreciated 0.6 percent in Q1 of 2026 when compared to Q4 of 2025. Furthermore, values appreciated 3.8 percent in Q1 of 2026 compared to Q1 of 2025.
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