MO unemployment higher than regional, national rates

Missouri's January unemployment rate was higher than both the Midwest region's rate and the national rate, according to data released March 10 by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 9.6 percent in January, compared to 8.5 percent in the Midwest and 9 percent nationwide.

Missouri's January unemployment rate was unchanged from December and November and is one-tenth of a point lower than it was in January 2010.

In January 2011, the number of unemployed people was approximately 287,200, while the amount employed was approximately 3 million, according to the data released.

Nationally, 24 states recorded unemployment rate decreases in January, 10 states recorded increases and 16 states and Washington, D.C., had no change.