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Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

West Virginia

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Payroll employment in West Virginia declined by 600 jobs (0.1 percent) in July. The unemployment rate edged down 0.1 percentage point to 4.1 percent.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "West Virginia's labor market contracted further in July as payroll employment and the state's labor force contracted in the month" – Joseph Mengedoth
  • Total payroll employment in West Virginia declined by 600 jobs (0.1 percent), on net, in July. The largest job losses occurred in the construction industry that gave up 1,000 jobs in the month.
  • On a year-over-year basis, total payroll employment in West Virginia increased by 1,400 jobs (0.2 percent), on net. Compared to last year, the most jobs were added in education and health services (3,200 jobs) and professional and business services (800 jobs).
  • The unemployment rate in West Virginia edged down to 4.1 percent in July as the number of unemployed persons declined; however, the labor force contracted 0.1 percent in the month.

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

  • In West Virginia, the number of residential permits issued increased 2.6 percent in July 2026 compared to June 2026. Compared to July 2025, the number of permits decreased 17.1 percent.
  • • According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home values appreciated 2.9 percent in Q2 of 2026 compared to Q1 of 2026. Home values grew by 8 percent in Q2 of 2026 compared to Q2 of 2025.
Snapshot Resources

  • 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