Jan. 6--The Tulsa metro area's jobless rate jumped to 4.6 percent in November -- the highest it's been in more than three years.

November's rate rose from 4.2 percent in October and 3.6 percent in September. In November 2007, the metro area had a 4.0 percent rate, according to the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission.

The last time the Tulsa area recorded a 4.6 percent rate occurred in June 2005. The Oklahoma City and Lawton metro areas also posted higher jobless rates of 4.4 percent for the month.

Higher unemployment rates are typical for a recession, according to one state economist. According to some economists, the U.S. recession began in December 2007.

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