Virginia's Economic Forecast, August 2025
A quarterly economic forecast for the Commonwealth of Virginia, created by the Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.
Job & Income Trends
Rising unemployment, Trump cuts fuel uncertainty about Virginia economy
Weldon Cooper director and economist Eric Scorsone warns that if Virginia’s unemployment rate keeps rising it could strain state resources.
Virginia Dogwood
As federal job losses mount, Fairfax leaders sound alarm
Is Fairfax County - long the economic engine of the Northern Virginia and state economy - facing an "unemployment crisis?"
Richmond Times Dispatch
Visualizing Virginia's Commute
Commuting patterns can reveal important information about communities, such as how people access jobs, how regions are linked economically, and where transportation and housing investments might be needed. To help illuminate commuting flows within Virginia and its 133 localities, we created the Virginia Commuting Patterns dashboard.
Virginia falls to No. 4 among CNBC's top states for business
Virginia lost its spot at the top of CNBC's annual Top States for Business report, in line with the Cooper Center's job loss predictions.
Virginia Business Magazine
Virginia unemployment claims continue to pace ahead of last year
Unemployment claims are up 33% compared to this time last year.
WVTF/RadioIQ
Federal Workforce Briefing #4: 7.14.25
The fourth policy brief from the Weldon Cooper Center outlining the effects of federal reductions in force.
Musk Left Government. Will Democrats Lose Their Bogeyman?
Virginia Democrats turn to Cooper Center data to understand economic impact of Musk and DOGE.
Washington Post
Report warns of deep hit to Virginia’s economy, citing federal government cuts - WTOP News
Cuts to the federal workforce and government spending will mean a significant hit to Virginia’s economy this year, according the latest economic forecast from the Weldon Cooper Center.
WTOP-Washington, D.C.
‘Lagging’ forecast for Virginia’s economy
More economic data from the federal government and local economists indicates Virginia may be part of a slowing economy.
Virginia Public Media/NPR