State sees continued employment growth

The state jobless rate in June stood at 4.7 percent, according to figures released Aug. 3 by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, compared to 5.3 percent in June 2005.

Unemployment in the Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area in June was 4.0 percent, compared to 4.7 percent a year ago.

In the Joplin MSA, June unemployment was 4.8 percent, compared to 5.6 percent a year ago. Between June 2005 and June 2006, employment increased by 2.9 percent in Springfield and 2.1 percent in Joplin.

Unemployment was fairly unchanged in Springfield, which saw some growth in private industries offset by minor decreases in government employment, according to the DED.

Many parts of the state experienced seasonal increases in unemployment, which is typical as students and other summer job-seekers enter the work force but do not all immediately find work.

In the Branson micropolitan area, however, where tourism industries are in full swing, unemployment did not change.

Over the past year, unemployment rates have fallen in all metropolitan areas and in 104 of the state’s 115 counties.