Most West Virginia counties report rising unemployment rate

CHARLESTON -- West Virginia’s unemployment rate climbed six-tenths of a percentage point to 7.7 percent in December 2011, and nearly all counties in the state recorded rising unemployment rates as well, according to data released by WorkForce West Virginia. 

The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate rose slightly. This group included Roane (11.8), Webster (12.6), Grant (12.6), and Calhoun (12.7). 

The number of counties reporting an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate declined in December. This group included Ohio (6.5), Putnam (6.4), Gilmer (6.3), and Jefferson (5.9). Once again, Monongalia (5.0) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

West Virginia unemployment rate rose to 7.7 percent in December

CHARLESTON -- West Virginia’s unemployment rate climbed six-tenths of a percentage point to 7.7  percent in December, WorkForce West Virginia has reported. 

The number of unemployed state residents rose 4,800 to 59,600. Total unemployment was down 13,400 over the year.
Total nonfarm payroll employment declined 3,600, where a loss of 4,100 in the goods-producing sector countered a gain of 500 in the service-providing sector.
Within the goods-producing sector, employment declines included 2,900 in construction, 800 in mining and logging, and 400 in manufacturing. Within the service-providing sector, employment growth included 500 in educational and health services, 300 in professional and business services, 300 in financial activities, and 200 in other services. Employment declines included 300 in government, 200 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 200 in information, and 100 in leisure and hospitality.
West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 7.9 percent in December, while the national rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point to 8.5 percent.

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.

State's Unemployment Rate remains at 8.6 percent in July

    CHARLESTON -- West Virginia’s unemployment rate remained at 8.6 percent in July, WorkForce West Virginia reported today. The number of unemployed state residents rose 500 to 68,000. Total unemployment was up 1,700 over the year.

    Total nonfarm payroll employment declined 4,500, where a loss of 4,800 in the service-providing sector easily overpowered a slight gain of 300 in the goods-producing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, gains of 200 in both manufacturing and mining and logging offset a decline of 100 in construction. Employment declines within the service-providing sector were fueled by the seasonal loss of 2,900 in government, almost entirely at the local level.

    Other losses included 600 in leisure and hospitality, 500 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 500 in professional and business services, 300 in other services, and 100 in educational and health services. Financial activities added 100 jobs, while information employment was unchanged over the month.

    Since July 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has added 1,300 jobs, with a gain of 2,200 in the goods-producing sector overpowering a loss of 900 in the service-providing sector. Employment gains included 2,200 in educational and health services, 900 in manufacturing, 800 in construction, 600 in government, 500 in other services, and 500 in mining and logging. Employment declines included 2,400 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 600 in leisure and hospitality, 600 in financial activities, and 600 in professional and business services. Information employment was unchanged over the year.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched upward one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.6 percent, while the national rate remained at 9.5 percent.

West Virginia’s June Unemployment Rate rises to 8.6 percent

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate inched upward one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.6 percent in June, WorkForce West Virginia has reported. The number of unemployed state residents rose 700 to 68,000. Total unemployment was down 2,000 over the year.

    Total nonfarm payroll employment declined 1,400, where a loss of 2,500 in the service-providing sector offset a gain of 1,100 in the goods-producing sector.

    Within the goods-producing sector, gains of 900 in construction and 400 in manufacturing easily overpowered a decline of 200 in mining and logging. Employment gains within the service-providing sector included 2,400 in leisure and hospitality, 800 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 300 in information, 200 in financial activities, and 100 in professional and business services. Employment declines were fueled by a seasonal decline in government, which fell 6,200. Educational and health services slipped 100, while employment in other services was unchanged over the month.

    Since June 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 7,000, with a decline of 7,100 in the service-providing sector overpowering a slight gain of 100 in the goods-producing sector. Employment gains included 1,600 in educational and health services, 900 in construction, 500 in other services, and 400 in leisure and hospitality.

    Employment declines included 5,700 in government, 2,300 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 1,100 in financial activities, 700 in mining and logging, 500 in professional and business services, and 100 in manufacturing. Information employment was unchanged over the year.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined four-tenths of a percentage point to 8.5 percent, while the national rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point to 9.5 percent.

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.

West Virginia's unemployment rate fell to 8.9 percent in April

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate fell from 10.1 to 8.9 percent in April, WorkForce West Virginia reported today. The number of unemployed state residents declined 8,700 to 69,800. Total unemployment rate was up 8,700 over the year. 

    Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 7,100, with gains of 3,400 in the goods-producing sector and 3,700 in the service-providing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, employment gains included 2,600 in construction, 500 in manufacturing, and 300 in mining and logging. 

    Employment increases with the service-providing sector included 1,600 in professional and business services, 1,600 in leisure and hospitality, 800 in other services, and 600 in trade, transportation, and utilities. Employment declines included 500 in educational and health services, 200 in government, 100 in information, and 100 in financial services.

    Since April 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 8,000, with losses of 5,300 in the goods-producing sector and 2,700 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 2,200 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 2,100 in mining and logging, 1,700 in manufacturing, 1,700 in leisure and hospitality, 1,500 in construction, 800 in financial activities, 700 in information, and 300 in professional and business services.

    Employment gains included 1,800 in government, 1,000 in educational and health service, and 200 in other services.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined three-tenths of a percentage point to 9.2 percent, while the national rate climbed two-tenths of a percentage point to 9.9 percent.

Unemployment down in most state counties in March

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate declined eight-tenths of a percentage point to 10.1 percent in March 2010. Nearly every county reported a declining unemployment rate as well, WorkForce West Virginia has reported. 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate was unchanged in March. This group included Wetzel (15.3), Wirt (15.4), Brooke (15.9), Clay (16.2), Roane (16.9), and Calhoun (18.8).

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate grew slightly in March. This group included Cabell (8.5), Boone (8.4), Harrison (8.4), Kanawha (8.3), Marion (8.2), Putnam (8.1), and Jefferson (7.7). 

    Once again, Monongalia (5.6) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

West Virginia's unemployment falls slightly to 10.1 percent in March

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate fell eight-tenths of a percentage point to 10.1 percent in March, WorkForce West Virginia has reported. The number of unemployed state residents declined 6,800 to 78,800. Total unemployment was up 18,400 over the year. 

    Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 11,500, with gains of 8,000 in the service-providing sector and 3,500 in the goods-producing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, employment gains occurred among all major industries, including 2,700 in construction, 600 in manufacturing, and 200 in mining and logging.

    Employment increases within the service-providing sector were led by a gain of 3,300 in government, fueled by the addition of federal census workers to the survey. Other gains included 1,500 in leisure and hospitality, 1,100 in educational and health services, 900 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 500 in professional and business services, 400 in financial activities, 200 in other services, and 100 in information.

    Since March 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 14,500, with losses of 10,000 in the goods-producing sector and 4,500 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 4,600 in construction, 3,900 in mining and logging, 2,700 in leisure and hospitality, 2,200 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 1,500 in manufacturing, 1,500 in professional and business services, 900 in financial activities, 600 in information, and 100 in other services.

    Employment gains included 2,000 in educational and health services and 1,500 in government.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 9.5 percent, while the national rate remained at 9.7 percent.

Nearly all West Virginia counties report increased unemployment

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate climbed six-tenths of a percentage point to 11.0  percent in February 2010. Nearly all counties reported rising 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 in February. This group included Grant (17.2), Wetzel (17.7), Wirt (18.0), Clay (18.0), Roane (18.3), and Calhoun (22.6). 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate grew slightly in February. This group included Boone (9.1), Marion (9.1), Kanawha (9.0), Putnam (9.0), Cabell (8.9), and Jefferson (8.2). 

    Once again, Monongalia (6.1) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

West Virginia's unemployment rate rose to 11 percent in February

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate climbed six-tenths of a percentage point to 11.0 percent in February, WorkForce West Virginia has reported. The number of unemployed state residents rose 5,000 to 86,400. Total unemployment was up 25,400 over the year. 

    Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 400, where a gain of 2,200 in the service-providing sector narrowly offset a decline of 1,800 in the goods-producing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, construction employment plunged 2,000. Gains of 100 occurred in both manufacturing and mining and logging. Employment increases within the service-providing sector were led by a seasonal gain of 2,600 in government. 

    Other gains included 500 in professional and business services, 300 in other services, and 200 in leisure and hospitality. Employment declines included 700 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 500 in educational and health services, 100 in financial activities, and 100 in information. 

    Since February 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 22,600, with losses of 13,500 in the goods-producing sector and 9,100 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 5,900 in construction, 4,300 in mining and logging, 3,500 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 3,300 in manufacturing, 2,800 in leisure and hospitality, 2,200 in professional and business services, 1,400 in financial activities, 700 in information, and 400 in other services. Employment gains included 1,700 in educational and health services and 200 in government. 

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed three tenths of a percentage point to 9.5 percent, while the national rate remained at 9.7 percent 

Unemployment up in every West Virginia county in January

    CHARLESTON - West Virginia's unemployment rate jumped nearly two percentage points to 10.5 percent in January 2010. All counties reported rising unemployment rates as well. 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate declined slightly in January. This group included Grant (15.9), Wirt (16.2), Clay (16.5), Wetzel (16.8), Roane (16.8), and Calhoun (21.3). 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate was unchanged in January. This group included Cabell (8.7), Kanawha (8.6), Marion (8.5), Putnam (8.2), and Jefferson (7.8). 

    Once again, Monongalia (5.8) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

West Virginia's unemployment rate rises to 10.5 percent in January

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate jumped nearly two percentage points to 10.5  percent in January, WorkForce West Virginia has reported. The number of unemployed state residents rose 15,300 to 82,400. Total unemployment was up 29,600 over the year. 

    Total nonfarm payroll employment declined 22,300, with losses of 5,800 in the goods-producing sector and 16,500 in the service-providing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, losses were led by a seasonal decline of 4,500 in construction. Other losses included 600 in mining and logging and 700 in
manufacturing. Declines within the service-providing sector were driven by seasonal losses of 5,300 in trade, transportation, and utilities and 4,700 in government. Other declines included 2,800 in leisure and hospitality, 1,500 in educational and health services, 1,400 in professional and business services, 700 in financial activities, and 100 in information. Employment in other services was unchanged over the month. 

    Since January 2009, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 23,000, with losses of 13,900 in the goods-producing sector and 9,100 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 5,200 in mining and logging, 4,900 in manufacturing, 4,600 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 3,800 in construction, 3,100 in leisure and hospitality, 2,600 in professional and business services, 1,600 in financial activities, 800 in information, and 800 in other services. Employment gains include 3,300 in educational and health services and 1,100 in government. 

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed three-tenths of a percentage point to 9.3 percent, while the national rate declined three-tenths of a percentage point to 9.7 percent. 

Unemployment up in December in nearly every state county

    CHARLESTON — West Virginia's unemployment rate climbed seven-tenths of a percentage point to 8.6 percent in December 2009, according to figures released today by Workforce West Virginia. Nearly every county reported an increasing unemployment rate as well.

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered much worse than average when compared to the state rate rose in December. This group included Wetzel (12.9), Jackson (12.9), Grant (13.1), Brooke (13.5), Pocahontas (13.6), Roane (14.4), Clay (14.6), and Calhoun (15.9). 

    The number of counties recording an unemployment rate considered better than average when compared to the state rate was unchanged in December. This group contained Kanawha (7.1), Cabell (6.8), Marion (6.6), Jefferson (6.5), and Putnam (6.1). 

    Once again, Monongalia (4.5) was the sole county recording an unemployment rate considered much better than average when compared to the state rate.

    Fore more information visit, www.workforcewv.org/LMI/datarel/cnty_PR.pdf 

West Virginia’s Unemployment Rate Climbed to 8.6 Percent in December

     CHARLESTON — West Virginia’s unemployment rate climbed seven-tenths of a percentage point to 8.6 percent in December, WorkForce West Virginia reported today. The number of unemployed state residents rose 5,300 to 67,400. Total unemployment was up 32,700 over the year. 

     Total nonfarm payroll employment declined 5,400, with losses of 2,900 in the goods-producing sector and 2,500 in the service-providing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, losses were led by a seasonal decline of 2,000 in construction. Other declines included 500 in manufacturing and 400 in mining and logging. Service-providing losses included 1,200 in professional and business services, 500 in educational and health services, 500 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 200 in leisure and hospitality, 100 in other services, and 100 in government. Financial activities contained the sole gain of 100, while information employment was unchanged over the month. 

    Since December 2008, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 19,100, with losses of 11,700 in the goods-producing sector and 7,400 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 7,000 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 5,100 in manufacturing, 5,000 in mining and logging, 1,800 in leisure and hospitality, 1,600 in construction, 1,000 in financial activities, 800 in other services, and 500 in information. Employment gains included 2,000 in educational and health services, 1,400 in government, and 300 in professional and business services. 

     West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate climbed seven-tenths of a percentage point to 9.1 percent, while the national rate remained at 10.0 percent.

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.

West Virginia's unemployment rate rose to 7.9 percent in November

CHARLESTON -- West Virginia’s unemployment rate climbed two-tenths of a percentage point to 7.9 percent in November, WorkForce West Virginia reported today. The number of unemployed state residents rose 1,800 to 62,800. Total unemployment was up 30,600 over the year. 

Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 1,300, with a gain of 1,700 in the service-providing sector overpowering a decline of 400 in the goods-producing sector. 

Within the goods-producing sector, declines of 800 in construction and 200 in mining and logging offset a gain of 600 in manufacturing. The service-providing sector saw employment gains of 1,400 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 600 in professional and business services, 400 in government, 200 in educational and health services, and 200 in financial activities. Declines included 800 in leisure and hospitality and 300 in other services. Employment in information was unchanged over the month. 

Since November 2008, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 17,500, with losses of 11,800 in the goods-producing sector and 5,700 in the service-providing sector. Declines included 6,500 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 4,800 in manufacturing, 4,700 in mining and logging, 2,300 in construction, 1,300 in leisure and hospitality, 700 in financial activities, 600 in information, and 600 in other services.

Employment gains included 1,900 in professional and business services, 1,400 in educational and health services, and 700 in government. 

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate inched downward one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.4 percent, while the national rate declined two-tenths of a percentage point to 10.0 percent. 

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.

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.

West Virginia’s September Unemployment Rate at 8.1 Percent

    CHARLESTON -- West Virginia’s unemployment rate declined four-tenths of a percentage point to 8.1 percent in September, WorkForce West Virginia reported today. The number of unemployed state residents fell 3,500 to 64,200. Total unemployment was up 35,200 over the year.

    Total nonfarm payroll employment rose 1,800, with a gain of 2,600 in the service-providing sector overpowering a decline of 800 in the goods-producing sector. Within the goods-producing sector, employment declines included 400 in manufacturing, 300 in construction, and 100 in mining and logging. The employment increase within the service-providing sector was due largely to seasonal gains of 2,900 in government and 1,900 in educational and health services. Other gains included 400 in professional and business services, 100 in financial activities, and 100 in other services. Employment declines included 1,900 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 800 in leisure and hospitality, and 100 in information.

    Since September 2008, total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen 27,400, with losses of 15,900 in the goods-producing sector and 11,500 in the service-providing sector. Educational and health services was the only major sector to experience an employment gain, adding 1,500 jobs. Employment declines included 7,900 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 6,400 in manufacturing, 5,100 in construction, 4,400 in mining and logging, 1,900 in leisure and hospitality, 1,200 in financial activities, 800 in government, 700 in information, 300 in other services, and 200 in professional and business services.

    West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 8.9 percent in September, while the national rate inched upward one-tenth of a percentage point to 9.8 percent.