Time series isopleth maps show the spatial distribution of unemployment from 1980 to 2000. Unemployment rates in the KCMA and SLMA have increased overall in this period. There is also a clear centralization of unemployment in both MAs.
Unemployment in the KCMA was somewhat concentrated downtown in 1980 but was prevalent in suburban areas northwest of the urban center as well. In addition to higher rates overall, 1990 unemployment data show a centralization of high rates in the urban center. In 2000, unemployment in the suburbs had declined somewhat, but urban center rates remained high.
The SLMA had a concentration of high unemployment in the East St. Louis area in 1980. In fact, unemployment in St. Louis, Illinois, was higher in general. The lowest unemployment rates were in the suburbs, particularly those in Missouri. In 1990, rates throughout the SLMA were higher and the concentration of high unemployment expanded to include more of the urban center and suburban St. Louis, Illinois. In 2000, unemployment had declined overall, most noticeably in St. Louis, Illinois.