Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.3% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 2,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2021.

Total employment in the Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC market rose by 102 jobs in November and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 3.3%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 37 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC unemployment rate is 59 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 290 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in November versus prior month by 4.2% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Unemployment November 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 158,100; +2,700
  • Transportation & Utilities: 136,200; +2,500
  • Business Services: 114,400; +500
  • Education & Healthcare: 107,300; +600
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 80,800; -1,500
  • Manufacturing: 54,600; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 39,500; -300
  • Financial Services: 37,800; -700
  • Other Jobs: 32,200; no change
  • IT & Development: 9,200; +100
Virginia Beach-Norfolk-Newport News, VA-NC Unemployment by Industry November 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through November 2021 (Data published December 2021 and reports created on January 6, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.