After two straight months of increases, the jobless rate dropped slightly in most Northeast Missouri counties for March.

New state numbers show the decreases were the biggest in Monroe, Pike, Ralls, Scotland and Shelby counties. Increases were reported in Clark and Lewis counties.

Unemployment statewide remained at four-point-two percent between February and March while the national rate was five percent.

The state says that over the past year, the number of people without a job has dropped by more than 30 thousand.

Industries doing the most hiring are trade, transportation, utilities, financial activities and food services.