Missouri unemployment rate flat in July

Missouri's unemployment rate was unchanged at 9.3 percent in July, the state Department of Economic Development said Tuesday.

Approximately 278,000 people were unemployed during the month, according to a DED news release. The not-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the month was 9.4 percent, down a tenth of a point from June.

About 3,800 jobs were gained in durable goods manufacturing, while health care and social assistance added 1,300 jobs. Local government shed 3,300 jobs, largely due to schools closing for the summer, and construction lost about 2,000 jobs.

Nonfarm payroll employment increased by 4,500 jobs in Kansas City and 3,400 jobs in St. Louis but held steady in other Missouri metropolitan areas.

Nationally, unemployment was at 9.4 percent, seasonally adjusted, in July, down from 9.5 percent.