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Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

West Virginia

aerial view of West Virginia

Payroll employment in West Virginia remained unchanged in September. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.0 percent.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "West Virginia's labor market remained relatively stable from August to September, as payroll employment held steady; however, the state experienced a slight contraction in its labor force." – Trisha Biswas
  • Total payroll employment in West Virginia remained unchanged in September.
  • On a year-over-year basis, total payroll employment in West Virginia remained unchanged, on net. Construction and other services experienced the largest declines (1,400 jobs and 1,200 jobs, respectively); however, increases in other industries offset these losses.
  • The unemployment rate in West Virginia remained unchanged at 4.0 percent in September as the number of unemployed declined by 600 people (2.0 percent).

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

  • In West Virginia, the number of residential permits issued decreased 22.6 percent in August 2026 compared to July 2026. Compared to August 2025, the number of permits decreased 11 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