W.Va.'s Employment Numbers Show Slight Growth Amid National Strength
The August jobs market showed strong growth nationwide, but West Virginia's employment picture was more nuanced. According to WorkForce West Virginia, the state saw a slight increase in total employed residents by 400, reaching 741,000, while the number of unemployed decreased by 700 to 31,300.
West Virginia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4% for August, mirroring the national rate. The unemployment calculation only accounts for those actively seeking work and does not include individuals who have dropped out of the labor force.
The state's nonfarm payroll employment saw a decrease of 1,200 from July to August. This dip was largely driven by losses in the goods-producing sector, particularly in construction (-400), manufacturing (-300), and mining/logging (-100).