Springfield metro unemployment drops to 7% in April

The Springfield metropolitan area recorded a 7 percent unemployment rate in April, down considerably from 8.4 percent in March, according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The metro area posted 216,800 civilian workers for the month and about 15,100 unemployed.

Springfield's unemployment was nearly double the rate in April 2008, when jobless numbers were at 3.8 percent. All 372 U.S. metropolitan areas posted year-over-year increases in unemployment.

Nationally, the unemployment rate was 8.6 percent in April, not seasonally adjusted, compared to 4.8 percent a year ago. Thirteen metro areas had rates of at least 15 percent, and 31 had rates below 5 percent in April.

All metros in Missouri had improved employment in April compared to March, according to the BLS.