Missouri unemployment rate drops to 8.5%

The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 8.5 percent in October, down two-tenths of a point from September.

By comparison, Missouri's October unemployment rate was half a point lower than the national rate of 9 percent, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

Missouri's nonfarm payroll increased by 1,100 jobs to 2,651,800 during the month, led by gains in administrative and support services, private educational services, leisure and hospitality, and wholesale trade.