Missouri unemployment rate inches down

Missouri's unemployment rate dropped to 6.7 percent in November, down two-tenths of a point from October. The seasonally-adjusted rate represents a 1.4 percent yearly decrease from 8.1 percent in the same month of 2011.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Show-Me-State's rate fell a full percentage point below the November national average of 7.7 percent. The Springfield metropolitan statistical area October jobless rate was 5.7 percent.

The rate represents about 202,327 unemployed persons across the state, down from 206,130 in October, when the rate was 6.9 percent, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Regional and state unemployment rates were generally lower in November, with 45 states and the District of Columbia recording unemployment rate decreases and five states with no change, according to the labor department's report.

Nevada has the highest unemployment rate in the nation at 10.8 percent, while North Dakota claims the lowest with just 3.1 percent.

The largest month-to-month increase in employment occurred in North Carolina where 30,600 jobs were added in November, and the largest decrease occurred in New York where 33,500 jobs were lost.

The Missouri unemployment rate peaked in August 2009 at 9.7 percent.