RICHMOND — Virginia Works (the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement) announced today that, compared to a year earlier, February 2024 unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 65 of Virginia’s 133 counties and cities, were unchanged in 26, and increased in 42. In February, Arlington County had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.2 percent, while Northumberland County and Petersburg City had the highest unemployment rate at 5.6 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, Charlottesville, Northern Virginia², and Winchester had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.6 percent, while Lynchburg had the highest at 3.4 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 2.9 percent, unchanged from a year earlier and 1.3 points lower than the national rate. The February 2024 local unemployment rates are online: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/18477. 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 February 11-17, 2024.