Area job numbers up, NWA jobless rate rises

Despite the metro jobless rate jumping to 6.2% during January, the number of employed in Northwest Arkansas rose to 217,133, a high not seen since November 2008, according to recent figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The number of unemployed in the metro area rose in January to 14,438, well above the 12,864 in December 2011, but below the 15,326 during January 2011.

The region’s jobless rate of 6.2% during January was above the 5.6% during December but below the 6.8% during January 2011.

The size of the workforce rose to 231,571 during January, above the 227,779 during December. July 2008 was the last time the regional workforce was higher than the January level.

The eight metro areas in or connected to Arkansas had jobless rate increases in January compared to December, and all posted jobless rates lower than January 2011.

During January, the lowest metro jobless rate was 6.2% in Northwest Arkansas and the highest rate was 10.3% in Pine Bluff.

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS METRO NUMBERS

The region’s manufacturing sector employed an estimated 27,600 in January, above the 27,400 in December 2011, and below the 28,100 during January 2011. Employment in the sector is down more than 19% from more than a decade ago when January 2002 manufacturing employment in the metro area stood at 34,300.

Jobs in the Trade, Transportation and Utilities sector — the region’s largest job sector —  totaled 46,000 in January, down from 46,800 in December, and above the 45,100 during January 2011. Employment in the sector is off from the high of 50,500 posted in December 2006.

Employment in the region’s tourism industry totaled 18,100 during January, down from 18,500 during December, but up from 17,400 during January 2011. The sector reached an employment high of 19,400 in July 2008.

In Education & Health Services, employment was 23,000 during January, unchanged from November and up from 22,200 during January 2011.

NATIONAL NUMBERS
Unemployment rates were lower in December than a year earlier in 329 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 36 areas, and unchanged in 7 areas, noted the BLS report. Also, 10 areas recorded jobless rates of at least 15%, while 24 areas registered rates of less than 5%.

Unemployment rates were lower in January than a year earlier in 345 of the 372
metropolitan areas, higher in 16 areas, and unchanged in 11 areas. Of the metro areas, 13 recorded jobless rates of at least 15%, and 13 registered rates of less than 5%.

The U.S. unemployment rate in January was 8.8%, down from 9.8% a year earlier.

Oklahoma’s jobless rate during January was 6.1%, down from 6.3% during December, and below the 6.2% during January 2011. The Missouri jobless rate during January was 7.5%, down from 8% in December, and well below the 9% during January 2011.

ARKANSAS METRO AREAS
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers
Jan. 2012: 6.2%
Dec. 2011: 5.6%
Jan. 2011: 6.8%

Fort Smith
Jan. 2012: 8.9%
Dec. 2011: 8%
Jan. 2011: 9.2%

Hot Springs
Jan. 2012: 8.4%
Dec. 2011: 7.4%
Jan. 2011: 8.9%

Jonesboro
Jan. 2012: 8%
Dec. 2011: 6.9%
Jan. 2011: 8.3%

Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway
Jan. 2012: 7.1%
Dec. 2011: 6.5%
Jan. 2011: 7.5%

Memphis-West Memphis
Jan. 2012: 9.4%
Dec. 2011: 8.8%
Jan. 2011: 10.3%

Pine Bluff
Jan. 2012: 10.3%
Dec. 2011: 9.4%
Jan. 2011: 10.9%

Texarkana
Jan. 2012: 7.5%
Dec. 2011: 6.8%
Jan. 2011: 7.8%

NORTHWEST ARKANSAS METRO AREA HISTORY
Past annual average unemployment rates
2010: 6.5%
2009: 6.1%
2008: 4.1%
2007: 3.8%
2006: 3.6%
2005: 3.3%
2004: 3.8%
2003: 3.7%
2002: 3.3%
2001: 3%
2000: 2.9%