The area’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 percent in April, according to the Bureau of Labor of Statistics. The local rate was 5.3 percent in April. 2012.
The national unemployment rate in April was 7.1 percent. The state’s rate was 6.9 percent.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics measures unemployment in Metropolitan Statistical Areas. The local area encompasses Washington, Benton and Madison counties in Arkansas and McDonald County, Mo.
Unemployment fell in 276 of the country’s 372 metropolitan areas, was higher in 78 and unchanged in 18.
Yuma, Ariz., had the highest April unemployment rate at 30.3 percent. Midland, Texas had the lowest rate at 3 percent.