Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.0% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 300 roles, based on the most recently available information published in May 2023.

Total employment in the Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH market rose by 1,032 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 4.0%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 27 bps over the same time to 3.6%.

  • Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH unemployment rate is 38 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 40 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 4.5% 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 March 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 29,600; +100
  • Transportation & Utilities: 24,100; -200
  • Government: 24,000; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 14,600; +100
  • Business Services: 13,500; +200
  • Manufacturing: 11,700; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 6,300; no change
  • Other Jobs: 4,400; -100
  • Financial Services: 4,000; no change
  • IT & Development: 1,200; no change
Huntington-Ashland, WV-KY-OH Unemployment by Industry March 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2023 (Data published May 2023 and reports created on May 9,2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.