Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA market rose by 2,664 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 50 bps to 2.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA unemployment rate is 176 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 220 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in September versus prior month by -3.9% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Unemployment September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 10.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 25,700; +2,500
Blacksburg-Christiansburg-Radford, VA Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.