Virginia’s unemployment rate remains steady at 2.8 percent

, and Citizen Staff Reports

March 12, 2019 . 10:24 PM

1 min read

For the sixth straight month, Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged in January at 2.8 percent.

The January 2019 seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for Virginia was down 0.5 percentage point from a year ago and continued to be the lowest rate since the April 2001 rate – also 2.8 percent. The labor force, which expanded for the seventh consecutive month, added 7,183 jobs in January for a total of 4,34 million statewide, a new record high.

Household employment increased by just more than 6,000 jobs after a slight decline in December. It also reached an all time high at 4.22 million.

The number of unemployed increased by nearly 1,100 to 122,570, the third consecutive monthly increase. Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continues to be below the national rate, which was up 0.1 percentage point in January to 4.0 percent.

“I am pleased to see the Commonwealth’s record low unemployment rate hold steady for the sixth consecutive month, a clear indication that our efforts to expand and diversify Virginia’s economy are working,” said Virginia Governor Ralph Northam. “We must continue this momentum by focusing on developing a world-class workforce, attracting new jobs and investment to every corner of the Commonwealth, and creating opportunity – so all Virginians are able to participate in our economic success.”

Virginia has the lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate among the Southeast states. Virginia has the third best rate among the states east of the Mississippi. Virginia is ranked sixth in the nation for the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate along with Idaho and Nebraska.

“Virginia’s economy remains strong, and the unemployment rate remaining steady at 2.8 percent is a testament to that,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “We’re looking forward to working with both our existing businesses and companies outside of the Commonwealth to create more quality job opportunities in every region of Virginia in 2019.”