Virginia’s economy has slowed in 2025, with a declining labor force and reduced Port of Virginia trade, raising concerns about future economic stability.
NORFOLK, Va. — Old Dominion University has released its 11th annual State of the Commonwealth Report. Put together annually by ODU’s Dragas Center for Economic Analysis and Policy, its authors say there’s sufficient evidence that economic activity has slowed in Virginia in 2025.
The labor force has declined, and the report finds the number of people who are unemployed and still looking for work has been higher for each week of this year, compared to last year.
The report also finds value of exports and imports flowing through the Port of Virginia was lower every month of this year, compared to last.