The Bureau of Labor Statistics this morning released its State Employment and Unemployment Summary. Virginia showed statistically significant shifts in two key year-over-year measures: Non-farm payroll employment, and unemployment rate.

Non-Farm Payroll Employment

Between July 2025 and July 2026, employment of nonfarm workers was down 47,900 in Virginia. The District of Columbia, which saw employment drop 31,500, was the only other jurisdiction in the United States that declined. 

Six states recorded growth. Three set the pace: Texas (+165,600), California (+112,700) and our neighbor to the south, North Carolina (+51,600). 

The remaining 43 states were essentially unchanged. 

Jobless Rate

In total, 16 states had unemployment rates lower than the U.S. rate of 4.1 percent, while nine states and the District of Columbia had higher rates. Virginia’s unemployment rate was 3.7, up 0.4 percentage points from 3.3 percent in July 2025. 

For more information, visit the following pages on the BLS website.

Civilian Labor Force and Unemployment by State, Seasonally Adjusted
Employees on Nonfarm Payrolls by State and Selected Industry Sector, Seasonally Adjusted
Entire BLS Release