Majority of state's counties report increased unemployment rate in November

CHARLESTON -- West Virginia's unemployment rate climbed two-tenths of a percentage point to 7.9  percent in November 2009. The majority of counties reported increasing unemployment rates as well, according to data released today by Workforce West Virginia.

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate rose in November. This group included Jackson (12.1), Mason (12.4), Calhoun (12.5), Clay (13.1), Pocahontas (13.3), and Roane (13.8). 

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate declined slightly. This group contained Cabell (6.6), Jefferson (6.4), Marion (6.4), Monroe (6.3), and Putnam (6.0). Once again, Monongalia (4.5) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.