Springfield's unemployment rate dips

The Springfield metropolitan statistical area's unemployment rate decreased in February, according to the latest U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

The Springfield MSA – which comprises Greene, Christian, Webster, Polk and Dallas counties – recorded a February figure of 2.1%, which was down from 2.4% in January, according to a news release. The data is not seasonally adjusted.

According to the BLS, Missouri's metro areas, by February unemployment rate, are:
• Columbia, 2%, down from 2.3% in January;
• Springfield, 2.1%, down from 2.4%;
• Jefferson City, 2.2%, down from 2.4%;
• Cape Girardeau, 2.3%, down from 2.7%;
• Joplin, 2.3%, down from 2.6%;
• St. Joseph. 2.6%, flat;
• St. Louis, 2.8%, down from 3%; and
• Kansas City, 2.9%, up from 2.7%.

Missouri's unemployment rate in February was 2.7%, down from 2.8% in January, according to the release.

Compared with a year earlier, February unemployment rates were lower in 228 of the 389 metro areas measured by the BLS nationwide, higher in 131 and unchanged in 30. The Springfield metro area's February 2022 unemployment rate was 2.3%.