Overall unemployment rate moved down to 2.0% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,500 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.
Total employment in the Columbia, MO market rose by 2,260 jobs in February and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 2.0%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.
- Columbia, MO unemployment rate is 189 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
- Unemployment in the market is 30 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
- Average wages (per hour) declined in February versus prior month by -1.7% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 3.2% . Key sectors include:
- Government: 29,200; +1,500
- Transportation & Utilities: 16,600; -100
Employment Change by Key Sector
Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023). Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.
Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.