CHARLESTON- The state's unemployment rate rose in July, according to a report from WorkForce West Virginia.
West Virginia's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose four-tenths of a percentage point to 7.4 percent in July, according to the Labor Market Information by West Virginia County Report for July 2012.
''The number of unemployed state residents climbed 2,400 to 58,900,'' the report said. ''Total unemployment was down 5,100 over the year.
''The national unemployment rate inched upward one-tenth of a percentage point to 8.3 percent.''
The unemployment rate was the same statewide this time last year.
Unemployment rates climbed in 20 counties while 32 counties reported falling unemployment rates in July.
Three counties, Jackson, Mineral and Ohio, reported no change in their unemployment rates.
Counties with unemployment rates over 11 percent were Wirt (11.1), Grant (11.1), Webster (11.3), Boone (11.8) and Mason (12.2). Counties with unemployment rates less than six percent were Preston (5.9), Lewis (5.7), Monroe (5.6), Putnam (5.4), Jefferson (4.8) and Monongalia (4.7).
Wood County had an unemployment rate of 7.4 in July compared to 7.2 in June and 8.5 in July 2011.
Officials from more rural counties have said although their unemployment rates may be considered high, the actual number of jobs lost represents a smaller number of jobs compared to more industrialized counties with a wider economic base.
In West Virginia, total nonfarm payroll employment declined 500, with a loss of 800 in the service-providing sector offsetting a gain of 300 in the goods-producing sector in July, the report said.
Within the goods-producing sector, a gain of 900 in construction offset declines of 400 in manufacturing and 200 in mining and logging. Within the service-providing sector, employment gains included 700 in educational and health services and 100 in financial activities.
Employment declines included 700 in trade, transportation and utilities, 300 in government, 200 in other services, and 100 in leisure and hospitality. Employment in professional and business services was unchanged over the month.
Since July 2011, total nonfarm payroll employment in the state has added 500 jobs, where a gain of 3,100 in the service-providing sector offset a decline of 2,600 in the goods-producing sector. Employment gains included 4,000 in educational and health services, 2,800 in construction, 1,800 in leisure and hospitality, 1,200 in professional and business services, and 300 in financial activities.
Employment declines included 3,000 in mining and logging, 2,700 in trade, transportation and utilities, 2,400 in manufacturing, 900 in government, and 400 in other services.
