RICHMOND— Virginia Works (the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement) announced today that, compared to a year earlier, May 2024 unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 116 of Virginia's 133 counties and cities, increased in 11, and remained unchanged in six. In May, Arlington County and Highland County had the lowest unemployment rates at 2.0 percent, while Petersburg city had the highest at 5.1 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.

Among the metro areas, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria and Winchester had the lowest unemployment rates at 2.3 percent, while Lynchburg had the highest at 3.2 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 2.6 percent, a 0.2 percentage point decrease from a year earlier and 1.1 points lower than the national rate. The May 2024 local unemployment rates are online: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/18767. You can also access the local unemployment rates by clicking the Area Rates link under the unemployment graph located on www.VirginiaWorks.com.

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