What is the unemployment rate in West Virginia right now?
Updated May. 22, 2026Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in West Virginia was at 4.4% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the month before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
In April 2026,
4.4%
of the labor force was unemployed in West Virginia
April 2026 had a
-0.1
percentage point change from the previous month
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.
In April 2026, the unemployment rate in West Virginia was higher than the US overall.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to April 2026
Unemployment rates differ within states due to various factors. Counties with many job opportunities and different industries often have lower unemployment rates. In rural areas or in places where industries are shrinking, the rate can be higher. Seasonal work in industries like tourism or farming can lead to unemployment rising or falling. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
What counties in West Virginia have the highest and lowest unemployment?
Understanding unemployment rates in different regions is important for addressing economic disparities and fostering growth. In West Virginia, the county with the highest unemployment rate is county_name, with an unemployment rate of unemployment_rate_high%. This rate may be attributed to various economic factors, including the decline of local industries and limited job opportunities. Conversely, the county with the lowest unemployment rate is county_name, with an unemployment rate of unemployment_rate_low%. This lower rate could be due to a stronger presence of thriving industries and better economic conditions. Comparing these rates highlights differences, with county_name facing more economic challenges than county_name. These unemployment rates impact the local economy and community, influencing everything from household income to public services. Monitoring and addressing these rates is important for improving employment and economic stability in West Virginia. Further research and targeted actions could help bridge the gap and enhance job opportunities across the state.In West Virginia, McDowell County, WV had the highest unemployment rate at 10.2%. Pendleton County, WV had the lowest at 2.9%. Kanawha County, WV, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 3.9%. The latest county-level data is from March 2026.
Unemployment rates in West Virginia counties ranged from 2.9% to 10.2% in March 2026.
Unemployment rate, by county, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, by county in West Virginia (March 2026)
| 1. | McDowell County, WV | 10.2% |
| 2. | Calhoun County, WV | 8.4% |
| 3. | Clay County, WV | 7.3% |
| 4. | Wirt County, WV | 6.9% |
| 5. | Mingo County, WV | 6.8% |
| 6. | Roane County, WV | 6.8% |
| 7. | Ritchie County, WV | 6.4% |
| 8. | Wetzel County, WV | 5.8% |
| 9. | Wyoming County, WV | 5.7% |
| 10. | Webster County, WV | 5.7% |
Keep exploring
Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
