Missouri’s unemployment rate ticks up

The Show-Me State’s unemployment rate moved up a tenth of a point to 3.3% in March, according to the latest data from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was lower than the U.S. figure of 3.8% in March. Missouri’s jobless rate has been below the national level for 32 consecutive months, according to a news release.

During March, nonfarm employment rose by roughly 4,700 jobs to 2.9 million compared with February. 

Increases were led by hiring in retail trade, at 1,700 jobs, and professional, scientific and technical services, at 1,400. Growth was partially offset by decreases in durable goods manufacturing, which was down by 1,600 jobs, and administrative and support services, down 500, according to the DED.

Compared with a year earlier, Missouri’s unemployment rate was a tenth of a point lower.