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 Foundation. Due 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)