Special Report
American Cities Losing the Most Jobs
August 18, 2016 4:30 pm
Last Updated: March 13, 2020 4:30 pm
30. Weirton-Steubenville, WV-OH
> Employment decline: -1.9%
> Number of jobs June 2012: 50,319
> Number of jobs June 2016: 49,352
> Unemployment rate June 2016: 7.5%
The Weirton-Steubenville economy is in relatively poor shape. In addition to a 1.9% decline in employment over the last four years, the 7.5% unemployment rate is one of the highest of any metro area.
29. Cumberland, MD-WV
> Employment decline: -2.0%
> Number of jobs June 2012: 41,802
> Number of jobs June 2016: 40,978
> Unemployment rate June 2016: 6.1%
Total employment in Cumberland fell by 2.0% over the past four years, while nationwide it grew by 7.6%. The metro area’s government sector lost the most employees. Government employment fell by roughly 700 workers.
28. Mansfield, OH
> Employment decline: -2.0%
> Number of jobs June 2012: 51,340
> Number of jobs June 2016: 50,304
> Unemployment rate June 2016: 5.4%
The bulk of the Mansfield metro area’s employment decline occurred in its largest sector, trade, transportation, and utilities. Employment in the sector fell by 3.9%, while nationwide it grew by 7.4%.
27. Utica-Rome, NY
> Employment decline: -2.1%
> Number of jobs June 2012: 127,338
> Number of jobs June 2016: 124,702
> Unemployment rate June 2016: 4.6%
The bulk of the Utica-Rome metro area’s employment decline occurred in its largest sector, government. Employment in government fell by 4.8%, while nationwide it grew by 0.9%.
26. Walla Walla, WA
> Employment decline: -2.1%
> Number of jobs June 2012: 28,984
> Number of jobs June 2016: 28,372
> Unemployment rate June 2016: 5.7%
The total number of jobs in Walla Walla fell by 2.1% over the past four years, while nationwide it grew by 7.6%. The largest loss in employment occurred in the metro area’s information industry.