Half of state counties report drop in unemployment in July

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate remained at 8.6 percent in July 2010. Approximately one-half of all counties reported a declining unemployment rate. 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate rose slightly. This group included Brooke (13.3), Hancock (13.7), Clay (13.8), and Mason (14.5).

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate nearly quadrupled. This group included Harrison (7.2), Lewis (7.2), Putnam (7.2), Boone (7.1), Doddridge (7.1), Marion (7.1), Preston (7.0),  Gilmer (6.8), Pendleton (6.8), Monroe (6.5), and Jefferson (6.3). 

    Once again, Monongalia (5.1) was the sole county reporting an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.