Missouri’s jobless rate 2nd lowest among neighboring states

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data show Missouri’s unemployment rate tied for second lowest among neighboring states last month.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the Show-Me State’s jobless rate for October was 3.1%, which was flat from September, according to a news release.

Below are Missouri and surrounding states, listed by October unemployment rates:
• Iowa, 2.6%, up from 2.5% in September;
• Kansas, 3.1%, down from 3.2%;
• Missouri, 3.1%, flat;
• Nebraska, 3.1%, flat;
• Oklahoma, 3.3%, up from 3.2%;
• Tennessee, 3.4%, flat;
• Arkansas, 3.5%, flat;
• Illinois, 3.9%, flat; and
• Kentucky, 4.3%, down from 4.4%.

Compared with a year earlier, unemployment rates nationwide in October were lower in four states, higher in two and unchanged in 44. Missouri’s October 2018 unemployment rate was 3%, according to the release.