The dashboards on this page include data on employment levels and unemployment rate from 2008 through 2023, and the jobs-housing balance across Virginia from 2008 through 2022. Jobs and housing are deeply intertwined. Without an adequate housing supply, communities can struggle to attract jobs and economic growth. This can lead to increases in commute times, greater traffic impacts, and sprawling development.
Employment levels
The following dashboard shows the employment levels across Virginia from 2008 through 2023 by month. The data have not been seasonally adjusted; therefore, you will see spikes across time that reflect the influences of seasonal patterns in employment and unemployment.
Unemployment rate
The following dashboard shows the unemployment rate from 2008 through 2023. Unemployment rate is the share of people in the labor force (all people age 16 and older who are working or looking for work) that do not have a job but are actively looking for work.
Jobs-housing growth
When the number of jobs are growing faster than the supply of housing, communities can face challenges in housing affordability. Growing demand from new employees can drive housing demand up and impact existing residents. However, slow housing growth can also have a negative impact on economic growth within communities.
Additional resources
American Planning Association
Jobs-Housing Balance
Planning Advisory Service, Report Number 516
Data sources
Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS)
Monthly and annual estimates released by the Bureal of Labor Statistics. Available at the locality level from 1976 to 2022.
Census Population Estimates Program (PEP)
Annual estimates of total population released by the U.S. Census Bureau. Available at locality level from 2010 to 2022. Estimates by age, race, and ethnicity also available, along with components of population change.
