Missouri unemployment rate flat in April

Missouri's unemployment rate was unchanged in April.

The state's jobless rate last month was 2.5%, the same as in March, according to a news release from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center. The data is seasonally adjusted.

The state's nonfarm payroll employment ranks grew by 4,700 jobs in April to nearly 3 million.

Month-over-month increases included 3,400 jobs in private education and health services and 2,800 in trade, transportation and utilities. Offsetting industries included leisure and hospitality, down 2,600 jobs, and financial activities, down 1,300, according to the release.