State unemployment rate declines to 8.7% in July

Missouri's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 8.7 percent in July, one-tenth of a point down from the previous month. The U.S. unemployment rate was 9.1 percent in July.

Since January, Missouri's unemployment rate has dropped eight-tenths of a point, according to a news release from the state Department of Economic Development.

The state's nonfarm payroll employment fell by 400 jobs during the month.

June employment figures were adjusted to reflect more up-to-date information concerning Joplin and the May 22 tornado that hit the area. The decrease in jobs from May to June is now estimated at 3,000 jobs, compared to the previous estimate of 9,000 jobs lost, according to the release.