JEFFERSON CITY, Mo.—Missouri’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5 percent in December, down 0.9 percent from the previous year.
For comparison, the U.S. seasonally adjusted rate in December was 4.1 percent and the not-seasonally-adjusted rate 3.9. Missouri’s seasonally adjusted rate has been below the comparable national rate for 34 consecutive months.
Private sector employment decreased by 300 jobs last month; however, over the past year, Missouri employers have added 22,800 jobs, for growth of 0.8 percent. The largest reported growth over the year was in professional and business services (+13,000), followed by accommodation and food services (+12,400). Construction employment decreased by 8,800 jobs over the year. Employment was up by 7,200 in manufacturing and by 5,200 in financial activities.
For the full labor report featuring industries that experienced employment gains and losses over the month click here.
