State unemployment rate falls slightly to 6.5%

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia’s unemployment rate in January declined to 6.5% in January, according to WorkForce West Virginia.

The organization noted unemployment fell in 29 of West Virginia’s 55 counties to start the year, with the statewide rate declining from 6.7% in December 2020. Jefferson County’s 4.4% rate is the lowest in the state, while Mingo County’s rate of 11.2% is the highest.

WorkForce West Virginia noted employment gains in the service-providing and goods-producing sector.

The national unemployment rate in January was 6.3%.