CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Unemployment rates decreased in 30 of West Virginia’s 55 counties in July. WorkForce West Virginia released the numbers Friday.
The counties reporting less unemployment were in all sections of the state from Wayne County in the west to Jefferson County in the east.
Sixteen counties recorded increased joblessness last month.
It was a tough month for employment through the center of the state as Harrison (5.3), Doddridge (6.2), Ritchie (5.8), Gilmer (5.8), Braxton (8), Clay (10) and Nicholas (8.5) counties all reported unemployment increases.
The state rate for July was 6.2 percent, which was up from June’s 6.4 percent.
McDowell, Mingo, Mason and Webster counties have unemployment rates at more than 10 percent while Pendleton, Monongalia and Jefferson are the only counties under 5 percent unemployment.