Oklahoma City unemployment rate improves in March, ranks among lowest in large metros

The Oklahoma City metro continued to post one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates among large metropolitan areas in March, according to newly released data from the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. 

The Oklahoma City MSA recorded a preliminary unemployment rate of 3.4% in March, improving from 4.0% in February. Among the nation’s 56 metropolitan areas with populations over 1 million, Oklahoma City ranked seventh lowest for unemployment. 

Nationally, the U.S. unemployment rate was 4.3% in March, down slightly from 4.4% in February. Oklahoma’s statewide unemployment rate held steady at 3.9%. 

Among peer metros, Honolulu, Hawaii, posted the nation’s lowest unemployment rate at 2.2%, while Fresno, California, recorded the highest at 8.9%. 

Oklahoma County also saw improvement in March, with unemployment falling to 3.6% from 4.1% the previous month. Tulsa’s metro unemployment rate mirrored Oklahoma City’s trend, improving from 4.1% in February to 3.6% in March. 

The latest figures continue to reflect Oklahoma City’s relatively strong labor market and economic stability compared to many large metropolitan areas across the country. While unemployment rates increased year over year in 70 of Oklahoma’s 77 counties, the Oklahoma City region remained below both the state and national averages.