Virginia’s January Unemployment Rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.0 percent; Labor Force Participation Rate remained unchanged at 65.8 percent and Employment increased by 769 to 4,464,393

RICHMOND— Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – announced today that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in January increased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.0 percent, which is 0.2 percentage points above the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in January, the labor force increased by 2,893 to 4,601,347 as the number of unemployed residents increased by 2,124 to 136,954. The number of employed residents increased by 769 to 4,464,393. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.0 percentage points below the national rate, which decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.0 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 65.8 percent in January. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

            In January, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey increased by 7,100 to 4,281,000. December’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 5,700 to 4,273,900. In January, private sector employment increased by 2,300 to 3,510,200 while government employment increased by 4,800 to 770,800. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 400 to 197,100, state government employment increased by 3,300 to 166,300, and local government increased by 1,100 to 407,400 over the month.  

            Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In January, six experienced over-the-month job gains, and five experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+5,000) to 631,900. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+4,800) to 770,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+2,100) to 820,300. The other gains were in Information (+700) to 72,400; Leisure and Hospitality (+700) to 419,700; and Financial Activities (+600) to 220,300.
            The largest job loss occurred in Construction (-2,900) to 216,100. The second largest job loss occurred in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-2,100) to 676,300. The third largest job loss occurred in Miscellaneous Services (-1,100) to 204,400. The other losses were in Manufacturing (-600) to 241,600 and Mining and Logging (-100) to 7,200.

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

            From January 2024 to January 2025, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 74,800 to 4,281,000, private sector employment increased by 51,200 to 3,510,200, and government employment increased by 23,600 to 770,800 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 5,400 to 197,100, state government employment increased by 7,800 to 166,300, and local government increased by 10,400 to 407,400 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, seven experienced over-the-year job gains, and four experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+33,900) to 631,900. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+23,600) to 770,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+12,400) to 820,300. The other gains were in Leisure and Hospitality (+4,800) to 419,700; Information (+2,100) to 72,400; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+1,700) to 676,300; and Miscellaneous Services (+1,200) to 204,400.
            The largest job loss occurred in Manufacturing (-3,800) to 241,600. The second largest job loss occurred in Construction (-500) to 216,100 and Financial Activities (-500) to 220,300. The other loss was in Mining and Logging (-100) to 7,200.

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In January, eight experienced over-the-month job gains, one remained unchanged, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk (+3,500) to 830,500. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+1,900) to 726,500. The third largest job gain occurred in Arlington-Alexandria (+700) to 1,638,100. The other gains were in Harrisonburg (+400) to 71,800; Lynchburg (+400) to 104,800; Charlottesville (+300) to 125,800; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+200) to 84,100; and Staunton (+100) to 54,000.
            The only job loss occurred in Roanoke (-300) to 168,300. Winchester remained unchanged.

Over the year, nine metro areas experienced over-the-year job gains and one remained unchanged. The largest job gain occurred in Arlington-Alexandria (+33,500) to 1,638,100. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+12,500) to 726,500. The third largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk (+11,700) to 830,500. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+2,800) to 125,800; Roanoke (+2,100) to 168,300; Winchester (+900) to 73,600; Harrisonburg (+500) to 71,800; Lynchburg (+300) to 104,800; and Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+200) to 84,100.
            Staunton remained unchanged.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

            Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.6 percentage points to 3.1 percent in January. It has increased by 0.3 percentage points to 3.1 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed increased by 15,941 to 142,905, household employment increased by 12,031 to 4,422,079, and the labor force increased by 27,972 to 4,564,984. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which increased by 0.6 percentage points to 4.4 percent.

            Compared to last month, the January unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 153,600 manufacturing production workers increased by 0.3 to 39.9 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers increased by $0.08 to $27.59, and average weekly earnings increased by $11.44 to $1,100.84.

###

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS January Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of January 12-18, 2025

Jan 25 CES Distribution Publication File

RICHMOND— Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – announced today that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in December remained unchanged at 3.0 percent, which is the same as the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in December, the labor force increased by 2,502 to 4,581,450 as the number of unemployed residents decreased by 247 to 136,810. The number of employed residents increased by 2,749 to 4,444,640. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.1 percentage points below the national rate, which decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.1 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 66.0 percent in December, which is 3.5 points above the national rate of 62.5 percent. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In December, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey increased by 4,900 to 4,268,200. November’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 3,200 to 4,263,300. In December, private sector employment increased by 3,400 to 3,513,400 while government employment increased by 1,500 to 754,800. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 1,100 to 192,200, state government employment remained unchanged at 167,700, and local government increased by 400 to 394,900 over the month.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In December, four experienced over-the-month job gains, and seven experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+5,300) to 614,500. The second largest job gain occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (+4,700) to 427,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Government (+1,500) to 754,800. The other gain was in Information (+1,200) to 71,700.

The largest job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-1,600) to 218,300. The second largest job loss occurred in Construction (-1,500) to 229,100. The third largest job loss occurred in Professional and Business Services (-1,300) to 816,800. The other losses were in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-1,300) to 678,100; Manufacturing (-1,200) to 246,700; Miscellaneous Services (-800) to 203,100; and Mining and Logging (-100) to 7,300.

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From December 2023 to December 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 76,900 to 4,268,200, private sector employment increased by 59,100 to 3,513,400, and government employment increased by 17,800 to 754,800 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 2,400 to 192,200, state government employment increased by 14,000 to 167,700, and local government increased by 1,400 to 394,900 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, nine experienced over-the-year job gains, and two experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+20,400) to 614,500. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+17,800) to 754,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+14,000) to 816,800. The other gains were in Construction (+10,900) to 229,100; Leisure and Hospitality (+9,000) to 427,800; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+5,900) to 678,100; Information (+2,000) to 71,700; Miscellaneous Services (+1,900) to 203,100; and Mining and Logging (+100) to 7,300.

The largest job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-4,300) to 218,300. The second largest job loss occurred in Manufacturing (-800) to 246,700.

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In December, seven experienced over-the-month job gains, three remained unchanged, and none experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+2,700) to 1,605,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+900) to 738,100. The third largest job gain occurred in Charlottesville (+700) to 129,700. The other gains were in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+600) to 828,200; Winchester (+500) to 73,500; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+300) to 85,600; and Roanoke (+200) to 169,000.

Harrisonburg, Lynchburg, and Staunton remained unchanged.

Over the year, all metro areas experienced over-the-year job gains. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+25,900) to 1,605,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+23,000) to 738,100. The third largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+13,800) to 828,200. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+4,400) to 129,700; Roanoke (+2,100) to 169,000; Winchester (+1,100) to 73,500; Lynchburg (+600) to 105,700; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+400) to 85,600; Harrisonburg (+400) to 72,600; and Staunton (+100) to 54,100.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate decreased by 0.5 percentage points to 2.5 percent in December. It has decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 2.5 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed decreased by 6,417 to 115,554, household employment increased by 10,156 to 4,422,766, and the labor force increased by 3,739 to 4,538,320. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 3.8 percent.

Compared to last month, the December unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 158,400 manufacturing production workers remained unchanged at 39.6 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers increased by $0.30 to $27.29, and average weekly earnings increased by $11.88 to $1,080.68.

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS December
Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of December 8-14, 2024

RICHMOND— Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November increased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.0 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points below the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in November, the labor force increased by 3,327 to 4,578,676 as the number of unemployed residents increased by 3,431 to 137,033. The number of employed residents decreased by 104 to 4,441,643. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate, which increased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.2 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 66.0 percent in November. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In November, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey increased by 5,300 to 4,260,100. October’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 4,500 to 4,254,800. In November, private sector employment increased by 4,400 to 3,506,300 while government employment increased by 900 to 753,800. Within that sector, federal government jobs decreased by 300 to 190,900, state government employment increased by 700 to 168,500, and local government increased by 500 to 394,400 over the month.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In November, seven experienced over-the-month job gains, and four experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+2,900) to 608,700. The second largest job gain occurred in Miscellaneous Services (+1,700) to 203,700. The third largest job gain occurred in Construction (+1,500) to 230,700. The other gains were in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+1,300) to 678,200; Government (+900) to 753,800; Information (+200) to 70,000; and Mining and Logging (+100) to 7,400.

The largest job loss occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (-1,200) to 422,400. The second largest job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-800) to 220,400. The third largest job loss occurred in Professional and Business Services (-700) to 816,800. The other loss was in Manufacturing (-600) to 248,000.

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From November 2023 to November 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 72,800 to 4,260,100, private sector employment increased by 59,200 to 3,506,300, -3- and government employment increased by 13,600 to 753,800 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 800 to 190,900, state government employment increased by 11,200 to 168,500, and local government increased by 1,600 to 394,400 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, ten experienced over-the-year job gains, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+18,900) to 608,700. The second largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+15,200) to 816,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Government (+13,600) to 753,800. The other gains were in Construction (+12,800) to 230,700; Leisure and Hospitality (+5,800) to 422,400; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+3,700) to 678,200; Miscellaneous Services (+2,400) to 203,700; Manufacturing (+1,400) to 248,000; Information (+700) to 70,000; and Mining and Logging (+100) to 7,400.

The only job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-1,800) to 220,400.

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In November, seven experienced over-the-month job gains, two remained unchanged, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+2,900) to 737,700. The second largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+700) to 1,601,100. The third largest job gain occurred in Charlottesville (+500) to 129,000. The other gains were in Winchester (+500) to 73,200; Lynchburg (+400) to 105,700; Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+400) to 826,700; and Staunton (+100) to 54,100.
The only job loss occurred in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (-700) to 84,300. Harrisonburg and Roanoke remained unchanged.

Over the year, nine metro areas experienced over-the-year job gains, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+24,900) to 1,601,100. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+23,800) to 737,700. The third largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+13,800) to 826,700. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+3,900) to 129,000; Roanoke (+2,100) to 168,900; Lynchburg (+1,100) to 105,700; Harrisonburg (+900) to 72,800; Winchester (+800) to 73,200; and Staunton (+300) to 54,100.
The only job loss occurred in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (-600) to 84,300.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.0 percent in November. It has increased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.0 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed increased by 3,069 to 134,337, household employment decreased by 19,266 to 4,416,167, and the labor force decreased by 16,197 to 4,550,504. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.0 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which increased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.0 percent.

Compared to last month, the November unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 159,800 manufacturing production workers increased by 0.2 to 39.5 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers increased by $0.20 to $26.98, and average weekly earnings increased by $13.26 to $1,065.71.

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment
and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted
each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program
(often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a
monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data
broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both
industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For
national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS
November Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of November 10-16, 2024

Virginia Works plans to release the November local area unemployment rates on Friday January 03, 2025.
The data will be available on our website www.VirginiaWorks.com. The December 2024 statewide unemployment
rate and employment data for both the state and metropolitan areas are scheduled to be released on Tuesday January
28, 2025.

Download Excel Data

RICHMOND— Virginia Works  – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October remained unchanged at 2.9 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points below the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in October, the labor force increased by 3,649 to 4,575,255 as the number of unemployed residents increased by 2,245 to 133,596. The number of employed residents increased by 1,404 to 4,441,659. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate, which remained unchanged at 4.1 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 66.0 percent in October. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In October, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey decreased by 3,000 to 4,250,300. September’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 2,400 to 4,253,300. In October, private sector employment decreased by 3,700 to 3,500,000 while government employment increased by 700 to 750,300. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 400 to 191,300, state government employment decreased by 100 to 165,000, and local government increased by 400 to 394,000 over the month.  

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In October, six experienced over-the-month job gains, and five experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Financial Activities (+900) to 221,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+700) to 750,300. The third largest job gain occurred in Construction (+400) to 229,100. The other gains were in Information (+300) to 70,000; Education and Health Services (+100) to 604,400; and Mining and Logging (+100) to 7,400.

The largest job loss occurred in Professional and Business Services (-2,600) to 816,300. The second largest job loss occurred in Miscellaneous Services (-1,700) to 202,000. The third largest job loss occurred in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-600) to 677,000. The other losses were in Leisure and Hospitality     (-300) to 424,000 and Manufacturing (-300) to 248,400.

Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From October 2023 to October 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 67,800 to 4,250,300, private sector employment increased by 56,300 to 3,500,000, and government employment increased by 11,500 to 750,300 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 1,200 to 191,300, state government employment increased by 8,200 to 165,000, and local government increased by 2,100 to 394,000 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, ten experienced over-the-year job gains, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+16,000) to 604,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Construction (+12,500) to 229,100. The third largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+12,500) to 816,300. The other gains were in Government (+11,500) to 750,300; Leisure and Hospitality (+8,800) to 424,000; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+3,900) to 677,000; Manufacturing (+2,200) to 248,400; Information (+800) to 70,000; Miscellaneous Services (+200) to 202,000; and Mining and Logging (+100) to 7,400.

The only job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-700) to 221,400.

Total Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In October, five experienced over-the-month job gains, one remained unchanged, and four experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+3,500) to 1,601,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+700) to 827,600. The third largest job gain occurred in Harrisonburg (+300) to 73,100. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+200) to 128,700; and Lynchburg (+100) to 105,600.

The largest job loss occurred in Richmond (-1,700) to 728,900. The second largest job loss occurred in Winchester (-500) to 72,400. The third largest job loss occurred in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford   (-400) to 85,300. The other loss was in Staunton (-200) to 53,900. Roanoke remained unchanged.

Over the year, nine metro areas experienced over-the-year job gains, and one remained unchanged. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+26,300) to 1,601,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+16,600) to 728,900. The third largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+14,200) to 827,600. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+4,100) to 128,700; Roanoke (+1,800) to 168,800; Harrisonburg (+1,300) to 73,100; Lynchburg (+1,000) to 105,600; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+300) to 85,300; and Winchester (+200) to 72,400.

Staunton remained unchanged.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 2.9 percent in October, which is 0.1 percentage points less than last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed decreased by 3,581 to 132,462, household employment increased by 4,612 to 4,440,881, and the labor force increased by 1,031 to 4,573,343. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.0 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which remained unchanged at 3.9 percent.

Compared to last month, the October unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 159,000 manufacturing production workers decreased by 0.4 to 39.5 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers decreased by $0.16 to $26.78, and average weekly earnings decreased by $17.10 to $1,057.81.

###

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS September Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of October 6-12, 2024

Files detailing October’s unemployment numbers are available below:

RICHMOND — Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in September increased by 0.1 percentage points to 2.9 percent, which is the same as the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in September, the labor force increased by 2,677 to 4,571,505 as the number of unemployed residents increased by 2,994 to 131,326. The number of employed residents decreased by 317 to 4,440,179. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.2 percentage points below the national rate, which decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.1 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate remained unchanged at 66.0 percent in September. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In September, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey increased by 2,100 to 4,250,900. August’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 7,700 to 4,248,800. In September, private sector employment increased by 1,200 to 3,506,100 while government employment increased by 900 to 744,800. Within that sector, federal government jobs decreased by 1,100 to 190,800, state government employment increased by 1,800 to 164,300, and local government increased by 200 to 389,700 over the month.  

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In September, six experienced over-the-month job gains, and five experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (+2,200) to 423,300. The second largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+1,100) to 820,900. The third largest job gain occurred in Government (+900) to 744,800. The other gains were in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+700) to 678,100; Financial Activities (+200) to 220,400; and Mining and Logging (+100) to 7,300.

The largest job loss occurred in Information (-1,100) to 69,800. The second largest job loss occurred in Education and Health Services (-900) to 605,400. The third largest job loss occurred in Manufacturing (-800) to 248,700. The other losses were in Miscellaneous Services (-200) to 204,300 and Construction (-100) to 227,900.

Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From September 2023 to September 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 63,500 to 4,250,900, private sector employment increased by 56,200 to 3,506,100, and government employment increased by 7,300 to 744,800 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 500 to 190,800, state government employment increased by 9,200 to 164,300, and local government decreased by 2,400 to 389,700 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, eight experienced over-the-year job gains, one remained unchanged, and two experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+17,300) to 605,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Construction (+11,700) to 227,900. The third largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+11,400) to 820,900. The other gains were in Leisure and Hospitality (+7,500) to 423,300; Government (+7,300) to 744,800; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+5,400) to 678,100; Miscellaneous Services (+3,700) to 204,300; and Manufacturing (+2,400) to 248,700.

The largest job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-2,700) to 220,400. The second largest job loss occurred in Information (-500) to 69,800. Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Total Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In September, six experienced over-the-month job gains, one remained unchanged, and three experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+2,200) to 825,800. The second largest job gain occurred in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+700) to 85,700. The third largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+500) to 730,700. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+300) to 129,000, Winchester (+200) to 73,100, and Roanoke (+100) to 168,800.

The largest job loss occurred in Northern Virginia (-3,300) to 1,591,200. The second largest job loss occurred in Harrisonburg (-1,700) to 71,700. The third largest job loss occurred in Staunton (-100) to 54,200. Lynchburg remained unchanged.

Over the year, nine metropolitan areas experienced over-the-year job gains, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+16,500) to 730,700. The second largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+15,800) to 825,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+10,400) to 1,591,200. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+5,000) to 129,000, Roanoke (+3,000) to 168,800, Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+1,400) to 85,700, Lynchburg (+1,400) to 105,800, Winchester (+1,000) to 73,100, and Staunton (+400) to 54,200.

The only job loss occurred in Harrisonburg (-100) to 71,700.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 3.1 percent in September, which is a 0.1 percentage point increase compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed increased by 1,483 to 139,995, household employment increased by 2,408 to 4,427,807, and the labor force increased by 3,891 to 4,567,802. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 0.8 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which decreased by 0.5 percentage points to 3.9 percent.

Compared to last month, the September unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 160,400 manufacturing production workers increased by 0.7 to 40.0 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers decreased by $0.01 to $26.94, and average weekly earnings increased by $18.46 to $1,077.60.

###

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS September Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of September 8-14, 2024

Files detailing September’s unemployment numbers are available below:

RICHMOND— Virginia Works  – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in August increased by 0.1 percentage points to 2.8 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points above the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in August, the labor force decreased by 2,172 to 4,568,536 as the number of unemployed residents increased by 3,400 to 128,125. The number of employed residents decreased by 5,572 to 4,440,411. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.4 percentage points below the national rate, which decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.2 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 66.0 percent in August. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In August, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey decreased by 5,800 to 4,241,100. July’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, decreased by 9,300 to 4,246,900. In August, private sector employment decreased by 5,700 to 3,500,000 while government employment decreased by 100 to 741,100. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 100 to 192,100, state government employment decreased by 400 to 161,800, and local government increased by 200 to 387,200 over the month.  

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In August, three experienced over-the-month job gains, and eight experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (+3,200) to 421,000. The second largest job gain occurred in Construction (+2,300) to 227,300. The third largest job gain occurred in Manufacturing (+500) to 250,300.

The largest job loss occurred in Professional and Business Services (-5,000) to 818,400. The second largest job loss occurred in Education and Health Services (-3,100) to 605,200. The third largest job loss occurred in Miscellaneous Services (-1,100) to 203,600. The other losses were in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-1,000) to 676,500; Financial Activities (-900) to 219,600; Information (-500) to 70,900; Government (-100) to 741,100; and Mining and Logging (-100) to 7,200.

Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From August 2023 to August 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 61,600 to 4,241,100, private sector employment increased by 55,900 to 3,500,000, and government employment increased by 5,700 to 741,100 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 2,500 to 192,100, state government employment increased by 7,800 to 161,800, and local government decreased by 4,600 to 387,200 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, nine experienced over-the-year job gains, and two experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+20,000) to 605,200. The second largest job gain occurred in Construction (+11,800) to 227,300. The third largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+9,000) to 818,400. The other gains were in Leisure and Hospitality (+5,900) to 421,000; Government (+5,700) to 741,100; Manufacturing (+4,200) to 250,300; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+4,000) to 676,500; Miscellaneous Services (+3,800) to 203,600; and Information (+600) to 70,900.

The largest job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-3,300) to 219,600. The second largest job loss occurred in Mining and Logging (-100) to 7,200.

Total Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In August, two experienced over-the-month job gains, two remained unchanged, and six experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+700) to 727,700. The second largest job gain occurred in Staunton (+200) to 54,200.

The largest job loss occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (-3,500) to 819,900. The second largest job loss occurred in Northern Virginia (-2,600) to 1,595,100. The third largest job loss occurred in both Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (-200) to 85,500 and Winchester (-200) to 72,900. The other losses were in Lynchburg (-100) to 106,600 and Roanoke (-100) to 169,500. Charlottesville and Harrisonburg remained unchanged.

Over the year, all metro areas experienced over-the-year job gains, and none experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+15,600) to 1,595,100. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+15,500) to 727,700. The third largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+11,500) to 819,900. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+5,100) to 128,400; Roanoke (+4,400) to 169,500; Lynchburg (+2,600) to 106,600; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+2,400) to 85,500; Harrisonburg (+1,300) to 72,800; Winchester (+900) to 72,900; and Staunton (+400) to 54,200.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.2 percentage points to 3.5 percent in August. It has increased by 0.3 percentage points to 3.5 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed increased by 14,488 to 159,313, household employment decreased by 13,669 to 4,413,655, and the labor force increased by 819 to 4,572,968. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 0.9 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.4 percent.

Compared to last month, the August unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 159,700 manufacturing production workers decreased by 0.1 to 39.5 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers increased by $0.41 to $27.07, and average weekly earnings increased by $13.53 to $1,069.27.

###

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS August Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of August 11-17, 2024

Files detailing August’s unemployment numbers are available below:

RICHMOND— Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in July remained unchanged at 2.7 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points above the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in July, the labor force decreased by 4,066 to 4,570,647 as the number of unemployed residents increased by 2,160 to 124,643. The number of employed residents decreased by 6,226 to 4,446,004. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.6 percentage points below the national rate, which increased by 0.2 percentage points to 4.3 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 66.1 percent in July. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In July, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey increased by 4,800 to 4,256,200. June’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, decreased by 9,500 to 4,251,400. In July, private sector employment increased by 5,300 to 3,510,300 while government employment decreased by 500 to 745,900. Within that sector, federal government jobs decreased by 100 to 192,000, state government employment increased by 2,100 to 160,900, and local government decreased by 2,500 to 393,000 over the month.  

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In July, five experienced over-the-month job gains, two remained unchanged, and four experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (+4,600) to 420,300. The second largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+2,100) to 823,600. The third largest job gain occurred in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+800) to 678,900. The other gains were in Construction (+300) to 225,800, and Miscellaneous Services (+100) to 205,000.

The largest job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-1,800) to 219,800. The second largest job loss occurred in Information (-600) to 71,000. The third largest job loss occurred in Government (-500) to 745,900. The other loss was in Education and Health Services (-200) to 608,400.

Manufacturing as well as Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From July 2023 to July 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 84,400 to 4,256,200, private sector employment increased by 72,500 to 3,510,300, and government employment increased by 11,900 to 745,900 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 2,700 to 192,000, state government employment increased by 7,000 to 160,900, and local government increased by 2,200 to 393,000 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, nine experienced over-the-year job gains, one remained unchanged, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+24,900) to 608,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+14,500) to 823,600. The third largest job gain occurred in Government (+11,900) to 745,900. The other gains were in Construction (+11,300) to 225,800; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+6,900) to 678,900; Leisure and Hospitality (+6,800) to 420,300; Miscellaneous Services (+5,600) to 205,000; Manufacturing (+4,200) to 250,200; and Information (+1,000) to 71,000.

The only job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-2,700) to 219,800. Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Total Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In July, eight experienced over-the-month job gains, and two experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+3,300) to 824,900. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+2,700) to 728,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Roanoke (+1,000) to 169,700. The other gains were in Harrisonburg (+500) to 72,900; Winchester (+500) to 73,500; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+300) to 85,900; Charlottesville (+300) to 128,400; and Staunton (+100) to 54,200.

The largest job loss occurred in Northern Virginia (-4,600) to 1,598,700. The second largest job loss occurred in Lynchburg (-300) to 105,900.

Over the year, all metro areas experienced over-the-year job gains. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+22,300) to 1,598,700. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+18,600) to 728,800. The third largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+16,500) to 824,900. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+5,500) to 128,400; Roanoke (+5,000) to 169,700; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+3,500) to 85,900; Lynchburg (+2,100) to 105,900; Winchester (+1,700) to 73,500; Harrisonburg (+1,600) to 72,900; and Staunton (+500) to 54,200.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points to 3.3 percent in July. It has increased by 0.4 percentage points to 3.3 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed increased by 20,081 to 151,694, household employment decreased by 15,986 to 4,454,089, and the labor force increased by 4,095 to 4,605,783. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.2 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which increased by 0.2 percentage points to 4.5 percent.

Compared to last month, the July unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 160,200 manufacturing production workers increased by 0.9 to 39.8 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers decreased by $0.20 to $26.32, and average weekly earnings increased by $15.91 to $1,047.54.

###

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS July Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of July 7-13, 2024.

Files detailing July’s unemployment numbers are available below:

RICHMOND— Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in June remained unchanged at 2.7 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points above the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in June, the labor force decreased by 4,155 to 4,574,821 as the number of unemployed residents decreased by 2,369 to 122,395. The number of employed residents decreased by 1,786 to 4,452,426. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.4 percentage points below the national rate, which increased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.1 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 66.2 percent in June. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In June, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey increased by 15,000 to 4,260,900. May’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 400 to 4,245,900. In June, private sector employment increased by 11,600 to 3,505,400 while government employment increased by 3,400 to 755,500. Within that sector, federal government jobs decreased by 400 to 192,300, state government employment increased by 1,500 to 164,300, and local government increased by 2,300 to 398,900 over the month.  

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In June, seven experienced over-the-month job gains, two remained unchanged, and two experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+6,500) to 821,900. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+3,400) to 755,500. The third largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+2,900) to 610,000. The other gains were in Construction (+1,300) to 224,900; Information (+1,100) to 71,700; Miscellaneous Services (+100) to 204,700; and Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+100) to 678,500.

The largest job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-300) to 221,600. The second largest job loss occurred in Manufacturing (-100) to 250,000.

Leisure and Hospitality as well as Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From June 2023 to June 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 86,800 to 4,260,900, private sector employment increased by 64,200 to 3,505,400, and government employment increased by 22,600 to 755,500 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 3,100 to 192,300, state government employment increased by 11,400 to 164,300, and local government increased by 8,100 to 398,900 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, nine experienced over-the-year job gains, one remained unchanged, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+28,400) to 610,000. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+22,600) to 755,500. The third largest job gain occurred in Construction (+10,700) to 224,900. The other gains were in Professional and Business Services (+9,400) to 821,900; Miscellaneous Services (+5,300) to 204,700; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+4,200) to 678,500; Manufacturing (+3,400) to 250,000; Leisure and Hospitality (+2,400) to 414,800; and Information (+1,200) to 71,700.

The only job loss occurred in Financial Activities (-800) to 221,600. Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Total Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In June, all experienced over-the-month job gains, and none experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+5,300) to 1,606,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+1,900) to 824,100. The third largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+1,400) to 726,600. The other gains were in Roanoke (+900) to 169,600; Charlottesville (+700) to 128,600; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+200) to 85,600; Harrisonburg (+200) to 73,600; Staunton (+200) to 54,100; Winchester (+200) to 73,300; and Lynchburg (+100) to 106,300.

Over the year, all metropolitan areas experienced over-the-year job gains, and none experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+28,600) to 1,606,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+17,000) to 824,100. The third largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+12,300) to 726,600. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+5,300) to 128,600; Roanoke (+3,900) to 169,600; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+3,500) to 85,600; Harrisonburg (+2,300) to 73,600; Lynchburg (+2,100) to 106,300; Winchester (+1,500) to 73,300; and Staunton (+300) to 54,100.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points to 3.0 percent in June. It has increased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.0 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed increased by 4,689 to 138,810, household employment increased by 5,901 to 4,460,542, and the labor force increased by 10,590 to 4,599,352. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which increased by 0.6 percentage points to 4.3 percent.

Compared to last month, the June unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 159,300 manufacturing production workers decreased by 0.2 to 39.2 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers increased by $0.21 to $26.25, and average weekly earnings increased by $3.02 to $1,029.00.

###

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS June Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of June 9-15, 2024.

Files detailing June’s unemployment numbers are available below:

RICHMOND— Virginia Works – the Commonwealth’s Department of Workforce Development and Advancement – today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in May decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 2.7 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points above the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in May, the labor force decreased by 5,946 to 4,578,538 as the number of unemployed residents decreased by 4,972 to 124,379. The number of employed residents decreased by 974 to 4,454,159. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.3 percentage points below the national rate, which increased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.0 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 66.3 percent in May. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In May, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey, increased by 8,800 to 4,245,500. April’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 3,300 to 4,236,700. In May, private sector employment increased by 6,100 to 3,495,200 while government employment increased by 2,700 to 750,300. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 200 to 192,800, state government employment increased by 1,500 to 162,600, and local government increased by 1,000 to 394,900 over the month.  

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In May, six experienced over-the-month job gains, one remained unchanged, and four experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+4,700) to 610,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+2,700) to 750,300. The third largest job gain occurred in Construction (+1,600) to 223,800. The other gains were in Leisure and Hospitality (+1,100) to 415,400; Miscellaneous Services (+1,000) to 203,800; and Financial Activities (+700) to 222,000.

The largest job loss occurred in Professional and Business Services (-2,200) to 814,500. The second largest job loss occurred in Manufacturing (-500) to 249,700. The third largest job loss occurred in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (-200) to 678,500. The other losses were in and Information (-100) to 69,800.
Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From May 2023 to May 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 81,500 to 4,245,500, private sector employment increased by 63,000 to 3,495,200, and government employment increased by 18,500 to 750,300 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 3,700 to 192,800, state government employment increased by 10,100 to 162,600, and local government increased by 4,700 to 394,900 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, nine experienced over-the-year job gains, one remained unchanged, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+30,600) to 610,400. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+18,500) to 750,300. The third largest job gain occurred in Construction (+10,100) to 223,800. The other gains were in Leisure and Hospitality (+5,700) to 415,400; Miscellaneous Services (+5,400) to 203,800; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+4,600) to 678,500; Manufacturing (+3,700) to 249,700; Professional and Business Services (+3,000) to 814,500; and Financial Activities (+900) to 222,000.

The only job loss occurred in Information (-1,000) to 69,800. Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Total Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In May, seven experienced over-the-month job gains, one remained unchanged, and two experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+6,100) to 1,599,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+1,500) to 725,400. The third largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+1,000) to 821,600. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+600) to 127,300; Winchester (+300) to 73,000; Lynchburg (+100) to 106,200; and Roanoke (+100) to 168,300.

The largest job loss occurred in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (-900) to 85,200. The second largest job loss occurred in Staunton (-200) to 53,800. Harrisonburg remained unchanged.

Over the year, nine experienced over-the-year job gains, one remained unchanged, and none experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+26,000) to 1,599,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+16,700) to 821,600. The third largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+12,000) to 725,400. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+4,500) to 127,300; Roanoke (+3,900) to 168,300; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+3,300) to 85,200; Harrisonburg (+1,800) to 73,200; Lynchburg (+1,700) to 106,200; and Winchester (+1,400) to 73,000.

Staunton remained unchanged.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points to 2.6 percent in May. It has decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 2.6 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed decreased by 9,106 to 120,636, household employment increased by 18,761 to 4,448,789, and the labor force increased by 9,655 to 4,569,425. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.1 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which increased by 0.2 percentage points to 3.7 percent.

Compared to last month, the May unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 158,800 manufacturing production workers decreased by 0.1 to 39.7 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers decreased by $0.01 to $25.93, and average weekly earnings decreased by $2.99 to $1,029.42.

###

Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS May Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of May 12-18, 2024.

Files detailing May’s unemployment numbers are available below:

RICHMOND— Virginia Works today announced that Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in April decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 2.8 percent, which is 0.1 percentage points above the rate from a year ago. According to household survey data in April, the labor force decreased by 4,375 to 4,584,350 as the number of unemployed residents decreased by 4,892 to 129,269. The number of employed residents increased by 517 to 4,455,081. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.1 percentage points below the national rate, which increased by 0.1 percentage points to 3.9 percent.

The Commonwealth’s labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 66.4 percent in April. The labor force participation rate measures the proportion of the civilian population age 16 and older that is employed or actively looking for work.

In April, Virginia’s nonagricultural employment, from the monthly establishment survey increased by 3,400 to 4,233,400. March’s preliminary estimate of employment, after revision, increased by 1,700 to 4,230,000. In April, private sector employment increased by 7,000 to 3,488,200 while government employment decreased by 3,600 to 745,200. Within that sector, federal government jobs decreased by 500 to 192,600, state government employment increased by 300 to 159,400, and local government decreased by 3,400 to 393,200 over the month.  

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for eleven industry sectors. In April, nine experienced over-the-month job gains, and two experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+2,500) to 602,100. The second largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+1,800) to 819,700. The third largest job gain occurred in Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+1,700) to 678,900. The other gains were in Miscellaneous Services (+1,300) to 202,800; Manufacturing (+1,100) to 250,800; Financial Activities (+500) to 221,600; Information (+400) to 70,100; Construction (+200) to 222,200; and Mining and Logging (+100) to 7,300.

The largest job loss occurred in Government (-3,600) to 745,200. The second largest job loss occurred in Leisure and Hospitality (-2,600) to 412,700.

Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

From April 2023 to April 2024, Virginia Works estimates that total nonfarm employment in Virginia increased by 76,800 to 4,233,400, private sector employment increased by 62,100 to 3,488,200, and government employment increased by 14,700 to 745,200 jobs. Within that sector, federal government jobs increased by 4,000 to 192,600, state government employment increased by 6,300 to 159,400, and local government increased by 4,400 to 393,200 over the year.

For the eleven industry sectors in Virginia over the year, nine experienced over-the-year job gains, one remained unchanged, and one experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Education and Health Services (+25,500) to 602,100. The second largest job gain occurred in Government (+14,700) to 745,200. The third largest job gain occurred in Professional and Business Services (+8,700) to 819,700. The other gains were in Construction (+8,200) to 222,200; Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+5,900) to 678,900; Manufacturing (+5,100) to 250,800; Miscellaneous Services (+4,500) to 202,800; Leisure and Hospitality (+4,300) to 412,700; and Financial Activities (+800) to 221,600.

The only job loss occurred in Information (-900) to 70,100. Mining and Logging remained unchanged.

Total Nonfarm Employment in Virginia*
Seasonally Adjusted

*Current month’s estimates are preliminary.

Seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment data is produced for ten metropolitan areas. In April, five experienced over-the-month job gains, one remained unchanged, and four experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+3,700) to 1,591,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+700) to 723,700. The third largest job gain occurred in Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+300) to 86,300. The other gains were in Harrisonburg (+200) to 73,100; and Winchester (+100) to 72,800.

The largest job loss occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (-1,800) to 820,200. The second largest job loss occurred in Roanoke (-300) to 168,300. The third largest job loss occurred in Charlottesville (-100) to 126,800. The other loss was in Lynchburg (-100) to 106,200. Staunton remained unchanged.

Over the year, all metro areas experienced over-the-year job gains, and none experienced a decline. The largest job gain occurred in Northern Virginia (+19,200) to 1,591,600. The second largest job gain occurred in Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News (+15,600) to 820,200. The third largest job gain occurred in Richmond (+12,300) to 723,700. The other gains were in Charlottesville (+4,100) to 126,800; Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford (+4,000) to 86,300; Roanoke (+3,800) to 168,300; Lynchburg (+1,900) to 106,200; Harrisonburg (+1,800) to 73,100; Winchester (+1,400) to 72,800; and Staunton (+200) to 54,000.

Not Seasonally Adjusted Data

Virginia’s unadjusted unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 2.3 percent in April. It has decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 2.3 percent compared to last year. Compared to a year ago, the number of unemployed decreased by 3,436 to 105,141, household employment increased by 22,581 to 4,459,446, and the labor force increased by 19,145 to 4,564,587. Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 1.2 percentage points below the national unadjusted rate, which decreased by 0.4 percentage points to 3.5 percent.

Compared to last month, the April unadjusted workweek for Virginia’s 159,400 manufacturing production workers increased by 0.2 to 39.8 hours. Average hourly earnings of private-sector production workers decreased by $0.32 to $25.41, and average weekly earnings decreased by $7.59 to $1,011.32.

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Technical note: Estimates of unemployment and industry employment levels are obtained from two separate monthly surveys. Resident employment and unemployment data are mainly derived from the Virginia portion of the national Current Population Survey (CPS), a household survey conducted each month by the U.S. Census Bureau under contract with BLS, which provides input to the Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) program (often referred to as the “household” survey). Industry employment data is mainly derived from the Current Employment Statistics (CES) survey, a monthly survey of approximately 18,000 Virginia businesses conducted by BLS, which provides estimates of employment, hours, and earnings data broken down by industry for the nation as a whole, all states and most major metropolitan areas (often referred to as the “establishment” survey). Both industry and household estimates are revised each month based on additional information from updated survey reports compiled by the BLS. For national figures and information on how COVID-19 affected collection of the BLS establishment and household surveys in April 2020, refer to the BLS March Employment Situation press release for details.

The statistical reference week for the household survey this month was the week of April 7-13, 2024.

Files detailing April’s unemployment numbers are available below: