West Virginia's unemployment rate fell in October

CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate declined three-tenths of a percentage point to 7.7 percent in October 2009, according to data released by Workforce West Virginia. Well over one-half of all 55 counties reported declining unemployment rates as well. 

The number of unemployed state residents declined 2,700 to 60,900. Total unemployment was up 30,900 over the year. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 4,500, with gains of 100 in the goods- producing sector and 4,400 in the service-providing sector. 

Within the goods-producing sector, a gain of 800 in construction offset declines of 600 in mining and logging and 100 in manufacturing. Employment gains in the service-providing sector included 4,600 in government, 1,000 in educational and health services, 700 in professional and business services, and 100 in financial activities. 

Declines included 1,700 in leisure and hospitality, 200 in other services, and 100 in information. Employment in trade, transportation, and utilities was unchanged over the month. 

Since October 2008, total nonfarm payroll employment has plummeted 22,300, with losses of 14,400 in the goods-producing sector and 7,900 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 7,400 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 6,100 in manufacturing, 4,800 in mining and logging, 3,500 in construction, 1,900 in leisure and hospitality, 1,100 in financial activities, 600 in information, and 400 in other services. 

Employment gains included 1,600 in educational and health services, 1,200 in government, and 700 in professional and business services. 

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 8.9 to 8.5 percent in October, while the national rate climbed four-tenths of a percentage point to 10.2 percent, the highest in over 20 years.

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate shrank considerably. This group contained Calhoun (11.6), Roane (12.3), and Clay (14.6). 

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate increased slightly. This group included Mercer (6.4), Preston (6.4), Cabell (6.3), Marion (6.3), Jefferson (6.2), Monroe (6.1), and Putnam (5.7).Once again, Monongalia (4.7) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.