Metro Unemployment Rates All Decline In November

Unemployment rates in Arkansas’ eight metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) all declined in November 2012 compared to one year ago.

The information was released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers MSA had the lowest jobless rate in the state at 4.6%, down from 5.4% in November 2011. The number was also lower than October 2012 when unemployment leveled at 5% in the region.

The Pine Bluff MSA had the highest unemployment rate at 8.3% in November 2012, but that was down a full percentage point from the previous year. In October 2012, Pine Bluff’s jobless rate stood at 8.4%.

ARKANSAS METRO AREAS
Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers
Nov. 2012: 4.6%
Oct. 2012: 5%
Nov. 2011: 5.4%

Fort Smith
Nov. 2012: 7.6%
Oct. 2012: 8%
Nov. 2011: 8.1%

Hot Springs
Nov. 2012: 6.8%
Oct. 2012: 7.1%
Nov. 2011: 7.5%

Jonesboro
Nov. 2012: 6.2%
Oct. 2012: 6.5%
Nov. 2011: 6.5%

Little Rock-North Little Rock-Conway
Nov. 2012: 5.8%
Oct. 2012: 6%
Nov. 2011: 6.3%

Memphis-West Memphis
Nov. 2012: 7.7%
Oct. 2012: 8.6%
Nov. 2011: 9.1%

Pine Bluff
Nov. 2012: 8.3%
Oct. 2012: 8.4%
Nov. 2011: 9.3%

Texarkana
Nov. 2012: 5.6%
Oct. 2012: 6%
Nov. 2011: 6.8%

NATIONAL NUMBERS
Unemployment rates were lower in November than a year earlier in 322 of the 372 metropolitan areas, higher in 36 areas, and unchanged in 14 areas, noted the broad BLS report.

The U.S. unemployment rate in November was 7.8%, down from 8.2% from a year earlier. Arkansas’ jobless rate was 7% in November, down from 7.2% in October and below the 7.9% rate in November 2011.

Oklahoma’s jobless rate during November was 5.2%, down from 5.3% during October, and below the 6.3% during November 2011. The Missouri jobless rate during November was 6.7%, compared to 6.9% in October and 8.1% during November 2011.