Springfield metro area unemployment rate drops

The Springfield metropolitan statistical area's unemployment rate dropped in November, according to the most recent federal data released this morning.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports in a news release that the Springfield MSA – which comprises Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk and Dallas counties – had a November jobless rate of 2.5%. That's down from 2.9% in October but above September's 2.3% figure, according to past reporting.

All of the metropolitan areas statewide had month-over-month decreases in the most recent BLS report.

The state’s metro areas, by November unemployment rate, are:
• Columbia, 2.3%, down from 2.7% in October.
• Jefferson City, 2.4%, down from 2.7%.
• Springfield, 2.5%, down from 2.9%.
• St. Joseph, 2.5%, down from 2.9%.
• Kansas City, 2.6%, down from 3.2%.
• Cape Girardeau, 2.7%, down from 3.1%.
• Joplin, 2.9%, down from 3.2%.
• St. Louis, 3%, down from 3.4%.

Missouri's November unemployment rate was 2.9%, down from 3.2% in October, according to the release. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

Compared with a year earlier, November unemployment rates were higher in 214 of the 389 metro areas measured nationwide by the BLS, lower in 158 and unchanged in 17. The Springfield MSA's November 2022 unemployment rate was 2%.