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Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond

West Virginia

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Payroll employment in West Virginia decreased by 1,200 jobs (0.2 percent) in August. The unemployment rate ticked down 0.1 percentage point to 4.0 percent.

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Labor market icon showing three people Labor Market Conditions

  • "West Virginia's labor market continued to contract in August as payroll employment and the state's labor force declined in the month" – Joseph Mengedoth
  • Total payroll employment declined by 1,200 jobs (0.2 percent), on net, in August. The largest job losses occurred in professional and business services (800 jobs), trade, transportation, and utilities (500 jobs), and construction (400 jobs).
  • On a year-over-year basis, total payroll employment in West Virginia declined by 1,800 jobs (0.3 percent), on net. Compared to last year, the most jobs were lost in other services (1,000 jobs), construction (700 jobs), and leisure and hospitality (700 jobs).
  • The unemployment rate in West Virginia ticked down 0.1 percentage point to 4.0 percent in August.

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