Many Metro Area Unemployment Rates Improve In February

There was improving news in the February 2011 metropolitan area unemployment report for Arkansas.

New statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor showed that 6 of Arkansas’ 8 metro areas had a declining unemployment rate versus one year ago. Also, there were steady month-to-month declines between February 2011 and January 2011 in 7 of the state’s 8 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs).

The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers MSA recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 6.7%. Pine Bluff and Memphis-West Memphis tied for the highest jobless rate at 10.4%.

NATIONAL, STATE NUMBERS
Unemployment rates were lower in February than a year earlier in 308 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 52 areas, and unchanged in 12 areas, noted the BLS report. Also, 15 areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15%, while 7 areas registered rates of less than 5%.

By way of comparison, unemployment rates were lower in January than a year earlier in 282 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 73 areas, and unchanged in 17 areas, noted the BLS report. In January 16 areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15%, while 5 areas registered rates of less than 5%.

The U.S. unemployment rate in February was 8.9%, down from 9.7% in February 2010 and down from 9% in January. Arkansas’ February unemployment rate was 7.8%, unchanged from 7.8% in January and down from 8% in February 2010. The Oklahoma rate during February was 6.5%, down from 6.6% in January and down from 7.3% in February 2010.

ARKANSAS METRO AREAS
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers
Feb. 2011: 6.7%
Jan. 2011: 6.8%
Feb. 2010: 7%

Fort Smith
Feb. 2011: 9.1%
Jan. 2011: 9.2%
Feb. 2010: 8.8%

Hot Springs
Feb. 2011: 8.8%
Jan. 2011: 8.9%
Feb. 2010: 8.9%

Jonesboro
Feb. 2011: 7.9%
Jan. 2011: 8.3%
Feb. 2010: 8.2%

Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway
Feb. 2011: 7.1%
Jan. 2011: 7.5%
Feb. 2010: 7.6%

Memphis-West Memphis
Feb. 2011: 10.4%
Jan. 2011: 10.3%
Feb. 2010: 10.9%

Pine Bluff
Feb. 2011: 10.4%
Jan. 2011: 10.9%
Feb. 2010: 10.3%

Texarkana
Feb. 2011: 7.5%
Jan. 2011: 7.8%
Feb. 2010: 7.9%