Mason County had highest unemployment rate in state in September; Monongalia County posted the lowest

CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate declined four-tenths of a percentage point to 8.1 percent in September 2009, according to data released today by Workforce West Virginia.

 Nearly all counties reported declining unemployment  rates as well. 

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate was unchanged. This group included Mason (12.1), Calhoun (12.1), Wetzel (12.3), McDowell (12.7), Jackson (12.9), and Roane (13.0).

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate declined slightly. This group included  Cabell (6.6), Jefferson (6.6), Gilmer (6.5), Marion (6.5), Monroe (6.5), and Putnam (6.3). Once again, Monongalia (4.6) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.