Missouri unemployment drops amid job growth

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Missouri's unemployment dropped slightly to its lowest rate since June 2008.

The state Department of Economic Development released data Tuesday showing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped from 6.3 percent in September to 5.9 percent in October.

Seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment grew by 2,400 jobs in October and the financial sector employed 1,500 additional people.

Missouri has added more than 48,000 nonfarm jobs in the past year.

The 3 million seasonally adjusted civilian labor force grew by more than 10,000 people in October. The labor force counts people with jobs and those who are on unemployment but looking for work.