Springfield MSA unemployment drops slightly

The unemployment rate in the Springfield metropolitan statistical area dropped a tenth of a point to 4.6 percent in November compared to October.

The latest MSA data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show Springfield's jobless rate has fallen nearly a full percentage point from 5.4 percent in November 2012.

Comprising Greene, Christian, Webster, Dallas and Polk counties, the Springfield MSA ranked second-lowest In November among the eight metropolitan areas measured by the BLS, according to a news release. Missouri's MSA unemployment rates for November were:

• Columbia, 3.7 percent;
• Springfield, 4.6 percent
• Jefferson City, 4.8 percent;
• St. Joseph, 4.8 percent;
• Joplin, 4.9 percent;
• Kansas City, 5.3 percent;
• Cape Girardeau-Jackson, 5.9 percent; and
• St. Louis, 6.5 percent.

During November, 293 of the 372 metro areas measured by the BLS recorded decreased unemployment rates, while 71 experienced increased rates and eight were unchanged, the release said.

The state's November jobless rate dropped to 6.1 percent, and the U.S. rate improved to 7 percent in the month.