Overall unemployment rate moved down to 1.4% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2022.

Total employment in the Columbia, MO market rose by 1,260 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 100 bps to 1.4%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 47 bps over the same time to 3.3%.

  • Columbia, MO unemployment rate is 192 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 80 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) declined in September versus prior month by -6.8% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Columbia, MO Unemployment September 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 2.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 29,400; +1,100
  • Transportation & Utilities: 15,600; no change
Columbia, MO Unemployment by Industry September 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2022 (Data published November 2022 and reports created on November 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.