RICHMOND— Compared to a year earlier, November 2023 unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) decreased in 101 of Virginia’s 133 counties and cities, remained unchanged in 14, and increased in 18. In November, Petersburg City had the highest unemployment rate at 5.4 percent, while Arlington and Madison counties had the lowest rate at 2.2 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, Winchester had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.5 percent, while Lynchburg had the highest at 3.4 percent. The not seasonally adjusted statewide rate was 2.9 percent, a 0.1 percentage point decrease from a year earlier and 0.6 of a point lower than the national rate.

The November 2023 local unemployment rates are online: https://www.vec.virginia.gov/node/18084. 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 November 12-18, 2023.