Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 800 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH market declined by 188 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 70 bps to 3.8%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH unemployment rate is 76 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 310 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 0.9% and are up 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.2% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 28,300; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 25,100; +200
  • Government: 22,300; +800
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 13,200; -300
  • Business Services: 13,100; -300
  • Manufacturing: 10,700; -100
  • Construction, Mining: 7,800; +100
  • Financial Services: 4,300; no change
  • Other Jobs: 3,900; -100
  • IT & Development: 1,100; no change
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH 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.