Crawford County’s Unemployment Rate Spiked In May

The unemployment rate in Crawford County took an upwards turn in May.

According to data from the Missouri Department of Labor & Industrial Relations, unemployment jumped from 3.7 percent in April to 4.4 percent in May.

There were 60 initial claims, the highest number since January when 109 filed.

Unemployment is at its highest rate in Crawford County since topping out at 4.7 percent in February.

The unemployment rate across Missouri in May stood at 3.5 percent.

Missouri reported that confirm payroll increased by 5,900 jobs.

Private industry employment increased by 4,000 and government employment increased by 1,900.

The state estimates by that there were 109,398 unemployed Missourians in May, up from 105,408 in April.

Missouri’s labor force participation rate was 63.4 percent in May, nearly a point higher than the national rate of 62.5 percent.

The employment population ratio was 61.2 percent, 1.1 percent higher than the national rate of 60.1 percent.

Missouri’s unemployment rate came in under the national rate of 4 percent.

For the past nine years, Missouri’s unemployment rate has been at or below the national rate.

Neighboring Counties

Missouri’s neighbors …

Dent County saw unemployment rise by seven-tenths of a point from 3.9 percent in April to 4.6 percent in May, with 32 initial claims.

Franklin County’s unemployment increased from 3 percent to 3.6 percent. There were 226 initial claims, up from 180 in April.

Gasconade County also saw unemployment rise from 3 percent to 3.6 percent. Initial claims more than doubled from 16 to 34.

Unemployment in Iron County rose nearly a point from 4.9 percent to 5.8 percent, with 33 initial claims.

Phelps County also saw nearly a 1 point spike, going from 3.3 percent to 4.2 percent, along with 79 initial claims.

Washington County unemployment was up a full point, from 3.9 percent to 4.9 percent and 68 initial claims.