Missouri jobless rate drops for 4th straight month

Missouri’s unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent in January, according to data released yesterday by the state Department of Economic Development.

The dip marked the fourth straight month-to-month decline. Following four months of increases, the Show-Me State’s jobless rate started falling in October. The latest drop compares with a 4.4 percent rate in December, according to a news release.

During January, Missouri employers grew job ranks by 1,682. The leading industry was trade, transportation and utilities, at 6,800 jobs. The largest offsetting industry was arts, entertainment and recreation, which lost 3,100 jobs in January, according to the data.  

The DED’s unemployment data is seasonally adjusted. Missouri’s jobless rate in January 2016 was 4.5 percent, according to the DED.