Jobless rates dip in most Virginia metro areas

Unemployment fell in most of Virginia’s urban areas during July.

The Virginia Employment Commission reported on Wednesday that seven of the state’s metropolitan statistical areas saw their jobless rates dip in July. In four other metro areas, unemployment rates remained unchanged in comparison to June figures.

The lowest unemployment rate was recorded in Northern Virginia: 3.2 percent in July, down one-tenth of a percentage point from June.

The highest jobless rate in July was seen in the Lynchburg area, 4.6 percent. That rate, however, was down from 4.8 percent the month before.

The unemployment numbers are not seasonally adjusted, meaning they do not take into account seasonal fluctuations in the labor force. Using that yardstick, Virginia’s jobless rate in July was 3.9 percent, unchanged from June. The national rate was 4.6 percent in July, up from 4.5 percent in June.

Here’s a breakdown on July’s results:

•         Bristol: 4.4 percent in July, unchanged
•         Charlottesville: 3.6 percent in July, down from 3.7 percent in June.
•         Hampton Roads: 4.4 percent, unchanged.
•         Harrisonburg: 4 percent, down from 4.2 percent.
•         Lynchburg: 4.6 percent, down from 4.8 percent.
•         New River Valley: 4.3 percent, down from 4.5 percent.
•         Northern Virginia: 3.2 percent, down from 3.3 percent.
•         Richmond: 4 percent, unchanged.
•         Roanoke: 4 percent, unchanged.
•         Staunton-Waynesboro: 3.6 percent, down from 3.7 percent.
•         Winchester: 3.4 percent, down from 3.5 percent.