Initial Claims in West Virginia
WVICLAIMS • Economic Data from Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED)
Latest Value
686.00
Year-over-Year Change
6.19%
Date Range
6/3/2006 - 7/26/2025
Summary
The Initial Claims in West Virginia indicator tracks the number of people in West Virginia who have filed for unemployment benefits for the first time. This metric is closely watched by economists and policymakers as a real-time measure of the state's economic health.
Analysis & Context
This economic indicator provides valuable insights into current market conditions and economic trends. The data is updated regularly by the Federal Reserve and represents one of the most reliable sources for economic analysis.
Understanding this metric helps economists, policymakers, and investors make informed decisions about economic conditions and future trends. The interactive chart above allows you to explore historical patterns and identify key trends over time.
About This Dataset
The Initial Claims in West Virginia series measures the number of people in the state who have filed initial claims for unemployment insurance benefits. This data provides insight into the current state of the labor market and can signal changes in economic conditions, making it a closely monitored economic indicator.
Methodology
The data is collected by the U.S. Department of Labor through state workforce agencies.
Historical Context
This indicator helps inform policy decisions and provides context for analysts tracking West Virginia's economic performance.
Key Facts
- West Virginia's initial claims peaked at over 72,000 in April 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Initial claims have steadily declined since the height of the pandemic, signaling a recovering labor market.
- The Initial Claims in West Virginia indicator is released weekly by the U.S. Department of Labor.
FAQs
Q: What does this economic trend measure?
A: The Initial Claims in West Virginia indicator tracks the number of people in the state who have filed for unemployment benefits for the first time.
Q: Why is this trend relevant for users or analysts?
A: This metric provides real-time insight into the state's labor market and economic conditions, making it an important indicator for policymakers and analysts.
Q: How is this data collected or calculated?
A: The data is collected by the U.S. Department of Labor through state workforce agencies.
Q: How is this trend used in economic policy?
A: Initial claims data helps inform policy decisions and provides context for analyzing West Virginia's economic performance.
Q: Are there update delays or limitations?
A: The Initial Claims in West Virginia indicator is released weekly by the U.S. Department of Labor with minimal delays.
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Citation
U.S. Federal Reserve, Initial Claims in West Virginia (WVICLAIMS), retrieved from FRED.