October employment numbers show the mid-region of the state far out-performing the big cities.

Missouri is adding jobs to the two sectors of health care and government.

Experts say Missouri has advantages over other states.

"We have a very diverse economy, we have a very large agricultural sector to our economy, small businesses employ a lot of Missourians. We have local, state and federal government institutions located throughout Missouri. So that diversity helps protect us from economic ups and downs that other states feel more severely," said Spence Jackson with the Department of Economic Development.

Columbia added 1,300 jobs in the month of October; Jefferson City saw an increase of 400 and Joplin gained 400.

By contrast, bigger cities, such as St. Louis and Kansas City, added just 500 jobs combined.

The Missouri Department of Economic Development says for the third straight month Missouri has created more jobs. Even as the current U.S. unemployment rate stands at 6.5 percent

The Columbia Chamber of Commerce thinks Columbia's on top because of the health care facilities in the city.

"There are a lot of hospitals but a lot of just other health care related jobs and positions available here too. We've had a little bit of a dip some places but other places, there's certainly an increase," said Don Laird on behalf of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Experts say the future of Missouri jobs is uncertain, but they remain cautiously optimistic.