Unemployment rate falls in April in 54 of state's 55 counties

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate fell from 10.1 to 8.9 percent in April 2010. All but one county 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 dropped slightly in April. This group included Brooke (13.7), Roane (13.9), Clay (14.5), Calhoun (15.7), and Pocahontas (16.0).

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate was unchanged in April. This group included Taylor (7.5), Harrison (7.4), Marion (7.3), Putnam (7.3), Monroe (7.2), Preston (7.2), and Jefferson (6.8). 

    Once again, Monongalia (5.5) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.