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Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

West Virginia

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Payroll employment in West Virginia increased by 1,300 jobs (0.2 percent) in January. The unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6 percent.

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  • "West Virginia's labor market improved slightly in January as payroll employment increased slightly and the unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6 percent." – Joseph Mengedoth
  • Payroll employment in West Virginia increased by 1,300 jobs (0.2 percent), on net, in January. The most jobs were added in the month to the construction industry (2,100 jobs). Smaller gains were reported in trade, transportation, and warehousing (200 jobs) and education and health services (100 jobs).
  • On a year-over-year basis, payroll employment in West Virginia increased by 3,900 jobs (0.5 percent), on net. Compared to last year, the most jobs were added in construction (4,900 jobs), education and health services (2,200 jobs), and professional and business services (1,200 jobs).
  • The unemployment rate in West Virginia was unchanged at 4.6 percent in January.

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

  • In West Virginia the number of residential permits issued increased 92.8 percent in December 2025 compared to November 2025. Compared to December 2024, the number of permits issued increased 53.9 percent.
  • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values appreciated 1.2 percent in Q4 of 2025 compared to Q3 of 2025. Home values grew by 4.7 percent in Q4 of 2025 compared to Q4 of 2024.
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