Missouri’s unemployment rate decreased by another tenth of a point in November, bringing the figure down to a record low of 3.0 percent. This is the lowest in the state’s historical data series dating back to 1976.
Missouri’s rate has now been lower than the corresponding U.S. rate, which was 3.7 percent in November, for 43 consecutive months.
The state’s not seasonally adjusted rate was 2.5 percent in November, compared to the national rate of 3.5 percent.
Missouri nonfarm payroll employment decreased by 1,200 jobs in November, on a seasonally adjusted basis, dipping to 2,911,900. Employment was up by 3,600 jobs in accommodation and food services; 1,900 in non-durable goods manufacturing; and 1,700 in trade, transportation and utilities. These gains were offset by decreases in other industries including 3,100 jobs in construction; 2,100 in arts, entertainment, and recreation; and 1,400 in health care and social assistance.
Over the past year, nonfarm payrolls in Missouri have grown by 32,400 jobs, or 1.1 percent. Industries with the largest growth since October 2017 include accommodation and food services (+10,100); health care and social assistance (+9,300); manufacturing (+5,900); and professional, scientific and technical services (+5,300).
To view the full labor report, click here.
Alisha Shurr was a reporter for The Missouri Times and The Missouri Times Magazine. She joined The Missouri Times in January 2018 after working as a copy editor for her hometown newspaper in Southern Oregon. Alisha is a graduate of Kansas State University.
