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Local Economy Overview

As of April 2006, the total in-city civilian labor force was 4,771, of which 4,452 were employed and 319 were unemployed.  The unemployment rate was estimated at 6.7%.  The Williamsburg, James City County, and York County civilian labor force was 64,113, and the unemployment rate 2.89%.  The City of Williamsburg’s economy is largely supported by tourism, education, and health care. The majority of business establishments within the City either fall into the retail trade or accommodation / food services category.

In 2003, the Virginia Tourism Corporation reported that the Greater Williamsburg Area was home to five of the top ten attractions most-visited by Virginia travelers, including the number one attraction, the Colonial Williamsburg FoundationDue to Williamsburg’s close proximity to major metropolitan areas within the Hampton Roads region, residents share a wide variety of occupational and career choices. 

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber and Tourism Alliance has 926 members as of June 2006.

 Source: Virginia Electronic Labor Market Access (2006)