MO unemployment rate hits 42-month low

Missouri's unemployment rate dropped two-tenths of a point during June to 7.1 percent, its lowest level in 42 months, according to a news release from the state Department of Economic Development.

In May, the jobless rate was 7.3 percent.

During June, Missouri unemployment was below the 8.2 percent national rate, which held flat month-to-month.

Missouri unemployment in June fell by 4,000 jobs, largely attributed to 3,100 losses in local government. Through the first six months of the year, 14,100 new jobs have been created in the state. Comparatively, Missouri ended calendar year 2011 with a net gain of 22,000 jobs, according to the release.