Missouri one of 11 states with lower unemployment rate

Missouri was one of 11 states nationwide to post an improved unemployment rate in July compared with June, according to U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data released Friday.

July unemployment rates were flat in 37 states and Washington, D.C., and higher in two, according to a news release.

In Missouri, the July jobless rate was 3.4 percent, down from 3.5 percent in June. The state’s civilian labor force improved to 3.06 million from 3.05 million in June, according to the BLS.

Earlier last week, the Missouri Department of Economic Development reported the 3.4 percent unemployment rate in July was the lowest it’s been since June 2000.

The DED cited an increase of 8,800 jobs between May and July. Payroll ranks improved by 34,700 employees since July 2017, according to a news release.

Nationwide, Hawaii had the lowest unemployment rate of 2.1 percent in July, according to the BLS.