State Unemployment Rate 7.2 Percent in May

West Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased two-tenths of a percentage point to 7.2 percent in May 2015. The number of unemployed state residents increased 2,000 to 56,400. Total unemployment was up 3,200 over the year. The national unemployment rate inched upward one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.5 percent.

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased 2,100 in May, with gains of 1,300 in the goods-producing sector of 800 in the service-providing sector.

Within the goods-producing sector, construction increased 600, manufacturing increased 700, and employment in mining and logging was unchanged. Within the service-providing sector, employment declines included 100 in in trade, transportation and utilities, 200 in leisure and hospitality, 400 in government, and 100 other services. Employment increases included 100 in information, 500 in financial activities, and 1,000 in professional and business services. Employment was unchanged in educational and health services.

Since May 2014, total nonfarm payroll employment has decreased by 16,600. Employment gains included 1000 in manufacturing, 2,500 in professional and business services, and 1,800 in educational and health services. Employment declines included 2,600 in mining and logging, 4,200 in construction, 300 in trade, transportation, and utilities, 1,000 in financial activities, 2,200 in leisure and hospitality, 700 in other services, and 10,900 in government. Employment in information was unchanged over the year.

West Virginia’s not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased three-tenths of a percentage point to 6.9 percent.

Download Report

To review complete data, please click here

Research, Information & Analysis
112 California Avenue, Charleston, West Virginia 25305-0112
Telephone: 304.558.2660 ~ Fax: 304.558.1343