Overall unemployment rate moved down to 6.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2021.

Total employment in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH market rose by 947 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 20 bps to 6.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 26 bps over the same time to 6.6%.

  • Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH unemployment rate is 25 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 80 bps above the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a negative.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in February versus prior month by -0.6% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Unemployment February 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs stayed flat. Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 28,300; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 24,500; -300
  • Government: 23,100; +500
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 12,600; no change
  • Business Services: 12,500; +100
  • Manufacturing: 10,500; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 6,700; -200
  • Financial Services: 4,300; no change
  • Other Jobs: 3,900; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,100; no change
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Unemployment by Industry February 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2021 (Data published April 2021 and reports created on April 9, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.