Missouri unemployment falls two-tenths of a percent

(From the Department of Economic Development)

Missouri’s unemployment rate fell again, dropping another two-tenths of a point to 5.4 percent in December, the lowest since April 2008. According to seasonally adjusted data released today by the Missouri Department of Economic Development, the state’s nonfarm payroll employment also gained 1,700 jobs last month, marking the fourth straight monthly increase.

A number of industries saw job growth in December, led by construction with 2,400 new jobs. Additionally, leisure and hospitality employment was up by 1,000, as was transportation, warehousing and utilities. Health Care and Social Assistance also experienced an increase of 1,000 jobs for the month.

Missouri’s nonfarm payrolls have increased by 44,700 jobs over the past year, which is the largest annual December-to-December growth since 1997.