Missouri unemployment rate drops considerably

Missouri's unemployment rate dropped by two full percentage points last month.

The September seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.9%, according to the latest data from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. That's down from 7% in August.

During the month, nonfarm payroll employment rose by 13,000 jobs to nearly 2.8 million. Leading the job increases were the industries of government, at 4,600 jobs; trade, transportation and utilities, 2,500; construction, 2,100; and leisure and hospitality, 1,500. The gains were partially offset by losses in professional and business services, which dropped by 1,000 jobs, and educational and health services, down 300.

Missouri's unemployment rate has been below or equal to the national jobless figure for 67 straight months, according to MERIC. The national unemployment rate last month was 7.9%.