Missouri’s unemployment rate flat in February

Last edited 10 a.m., April 4, 2019

Along with several other states in the Midwest, Missouri’s unemployment rate was flat in February, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Show-Me State’s jobless rate was 3.2 percent last month on a seasonally adjusted basis, the same as in January, according to a news release.

In the BLS’ 12-state Midwest region, eight states had flat unemployment rates in February compared with January.

Below are the 12 states, listed alphabetically, with their February and January unemployment rates:
• Illinois, 4.3 percent, flat from January;
• Indiana, 3.5 percent, flat;
• Iowa, 2.4 percent, flat;
• Kansas, 3.4 percent, flat;
• Michigan, 4 percent, flat;
• Minnesota, 3.1 percent, up from 3 percent;
• Missouri, 3.2 percent, flat;
• Nebraska, 2.8 percent, flat;
• North Dakota, 2.4 percent, down from 2.5 percent;
• Ohio, 4.6 percent, down from 4.7 percent;
• South Dakota, 2.9 percent, flat; and
• Wisconsin, 2.9 percent, down from 3 percent.

Increases in Missouri’s nonfarm payroll employment figures were offset by decreases in February, according to a news release from the state Department of Economic Development.

Durable goods manufacturing employers added 1,100 jobs in February, and administrative, support and waste management services employment grew by 1,000 jobs compared with January. Decreases last month were recorded in arts, entertainment and recreation, down 2,000 jobs; wholesale trade, down 1,000; and construction, down 800.