Unemployment rates surged in Missouri's metropolitan areas in September, increasing from 2005 levels in 5 of Missouri's 7 metropolitan areas, according to data released today from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The statewide seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is currently 5.3 percent, the highest rate in 2 years. Nationally the unemployment rate in September was 5.2 percent, and unemployment rates increased in roughly half of the country's metropolitan areas.
In St. Louis, the unemployment jumped from 5 percent in 2005 to 5.2 percent this year. In Columbia, the rate increased from 3.1 to 3.7 percent, the largest increase in the state. Unemployment rates also increased in Jefferson City, Joplin and Springfield relative to 2005 levels.
Unemployment rates in Kansas City and St. Joseph remained level from 2006.
Month to month comparisons are not conducted since the available has not been normalized to account for seasonal variations in employment, as is done with state and national employment data.
Related Stories:
St. Louis Business Journal: Unemployment up in September
Posts
