Mo. unemployment rate inches up in January

Though nonfarm payroll employment grew by 1,100 jobs during January, Missouri's unemployment rate ticked up a tenth of a point to 6 percent.

The monthly figure follows a December jobless rate of 5.9 percent, the lowest point since June 2008.

Still, the state's unemployment rate was well below the U.S. rate of 6.8 percent, according to a Missouri Department of Economic Development news release.

Contributing the most to payroll employment in January was leisure and hospitality, which added 5,100 jobs. Other gains included the durable goods manufacturing industry, at 2,800 jobs; administrative, support and waste management services, at 2,400 jobs; and professional, scientific and technical services, at 1,200 jobs.