RICHMOND— Virginia Works (the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement) announced today that, compared to a year earlier, April 2024 unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 90 of Virginia's 133 counties and cities, remained unchanged in 23, and increased in 20. In April, Arlington County had the lowest unemployment rate at 1.7 percent, while Petersburg city had the highest at 4.8 percent. The employment estimates in this release are subject to large seasonal patterns; therefore, it is advisable to focus on over-the-year changes in the not seasonally adjusted estimates.

April 2024 unemployment rates decreased in five metro areas and remained unchanged in five. Among the metro areas, Charlottesville had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.0 percent, while Lynchburg had the highest at 2.7 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 2.3 percent, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from a year earlier and 1.2 points lower than the national rate. The April 2024 local unemployment rates are online: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/18675/. You can also access the local unemployment rates by visiting www.VirginiaWorks.com.

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