Springfield MSA unemployment rate declines

The Springfield metropolitan statistical area’s December unemployment rate moved down two-tenths of a point, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The 3.4 percent rate - which was not seasonally adjusted - is down from 3.6 percent in November and 4.2 percent in December 2014, according to a news release. The MSA comprises Greene, Christian, Dallas, Polk and Webster counties.

Seven of the eight Missouri metro areas - except St. Louis - had unemployment rates below the state average of 4 percent in December. The metro jobless rates were:
    •    Columbia, 2.6 percent;
    •    Jefferson City, 3.3 percent;
    •    Joplin, 3.3 percent;
    •    Springfield, 3.4 percent;
    •    St. Joseph, 3.6 percent;
    •    Kansas City, 3.8 percent;
    •    Cape Girardeau, 3.9 percent; and
    •    St. Louis, 4.3 percent.

The U.S. unemployment rate in December was 4.8 percent, according to the BLS.

Of the 387 metropolitan areas in the country, 296 reported December unemployment rates lower than a year earlier, 79 posted higher figures and 12 were unchanged, according to the release.