Springfield MSA unemployment drops in October

The unemployment rate for the Springfield metropolitan statistical area dropped to 7.3 percent in October, down from 8.5 percent a year before.

The area's October unemployment rate also fell one-tenth of a point from September, according to data released yesterday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The civilian labor force in the MSA increased 3.7 percent in October to 223,700, compared to 215,800 a year before. Employers also hired about 1,000 people between September and October.

Missouri's unemployment rate was 8 percent in October, down from 9.1 percent a year ago.

The Springfield MSA - which comprises Greene, Christian, Webster, Dallas and Polk counties - tied with the Joplin and St. Joseph MSAs for third among other MSAs in the state for the lowest unemployment rate in October. The Jefferson City MSA had the lowest unemployment rate, 6.1 percent, and the Columbia MSA, with 7.2 percent, ranked No. 2, according to the release.


Across the country, October unemployment rates were lower than a year ago in 281 of the 372 MSAs. Rates were higher in 76 areas and unchanged in 15.[[In-content Ad]]