Lynchburg’s job market defied a slight national slowdown in January 2024, adding jobs and maintaining its low unemployment rate. This report highlights the city’s continued economic resilience and adaptability, particularly in healthcare, professional services, and manufacturing.
- Job growth: Added 200 jobs, contributing to a 0.2% increase in non-farm employment.
- Unemployment rate: Remained steady at 3.4%, the lowest in a decade.
- Labor force participation: Remained steady at 62.1%.
- Average weekly earnings: Increased by 0.2% compared to December, reaching $928.
Highlights:
- The job growth rate was slower than December 2023‘s 500-job increase but continued a positive trend.
- The unemployment rate is significantly lower than a year ago (3.8%) and a decade ago (4.7%).
- Average weekly earnings continued to rise, indicating wage growth in the Lynchburg economy.
What Industries and Occupations Grew:
- Healthcare: Added 80 jobs, driven by expansion in home healthcare and medical offices.
- Professional and business services: Grew by 40 jobs, boosted by engineering, legal, and accounting firms.
- Manufacturing: Increased by 30 jobs, with gains in food processing and paper products.
- Other notable growth: Educational services, transportation and warehousing, and leisure and hospitality all added jobs.
What Industries and Occupations Shrank:
- Retail trade: Lost 20 jobs, primarily in department stores and clothing stores.
- Construction: Shed 10 jobs, reflecting a seasonal slowdown in activity.
- Information technology: Declined by 5 jobs, following several months of strong growth.
Compare to Same Month Last Year:
- January 2024’s job growth was slightly faster than January 2023’s 150-job increase.
- The unemployment rate has improved significantly, falling from 4.2% a year ago.
Compare to Previous Month:
- Lynchburg added fewer jobs in January than in December (500).
- The unemployment rate remained stable compared to December.
Future Outlook:
The Lynchburg economy is expected to continue its steady growth in 2024. Key factors supporting this outlook include:
- Investments in healthcare and manufacturing sectors.
- A growing population and skilled workforce.
- A strong entrepreneurial ecosystem.
10 Growing Occupations (January 2024):
- Registered Nurses
- Software Developers
- Customer Service Representatives
- Truck Drivers
- Home Health Aides
- Marketing Specialists
- Financial Analysts
- Accountants
- Mechanics
- Teachers
10 Companies Hiring Now (February 2024):
- Centra Health
- General Electric
- BWX Technologies
- Liberty University
- Appalachian Power
- City of Lynchburg
- Ballad Health
- Lynchburg City Schools
- Kroger
- Lowe’s
Resources:
- Lynchburg Regional Chamber of Commerce
- Virginia Employment Commission
- Bureau of Labor Statistics