Unemployment Rate Continues To Decline In W.Va.

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.4% in April. That is one tenth lower than last month. Nationally, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged over the month at 4.3% in April.  

However, the total number of employed state residents decreased by 1,500, while the number of unemployed state residents decreased by 600.  

Total nonfarm employment increased by 1,300 from March to April as the goods-producing sector saw gains in construction (+600) and manufacturing (+100) over the month, while mining and logging shed 400 jobs. 

The service-providing sector saw its largest gain in leisure and hospitality (+ 700), an industry with seasonal hiring from March through July. Gains were seen primarily in accommodation and food services (+500). Trade, transportation and utilities saw a gain of 500 jobs as did private education and health services (+500).  

Losses were largest in total government employment and in professional and business services, both industries decreased by 300 jobs over the month. Other services showed a loss of 100 jobs while Information and financial activities went unchanged. 

Unemployment rates are calculated based on the number of people working and the number actively seeking work. Those no longer looking for a job are not counted.  

Over the year, total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 200 jobs. The bulk of job gains were seen in private education and health services (+3,600) and construction (+2,000). Financial activities (+200) and professional and business services (+100) also added jobs over the year.  

The largest over the year loss came in total government (-2,700); almost entirely in federal government employment (-2,500). Declines were seen also in leisure and hospitality (-800), mining and logging (-700), manufacturing (-700), trade, transportation, and utilities (-400), other services (-300), and in information (-100). 

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted labor force participation rate decreased by two tenths to 54.1% in April.