Missouri currently among six states with the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S.

Missouri is counted among the top states in the U.S. with the lowest unemployment, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The Show-Me state is sixth for the lowest rate at 4.9 percent. Of the top six, five of the states are located in the Midwest.

Largely due to quick action taken by governors to ease COVID-19 restrictions, these top six states have few restrictions left holding back business.

Nebraska leads in first with a 3.5 percent unemployment rate. In second is South Dakota, then Vermont, North Dakota, Iowa and Missouri.

Governors of these states – all Republican – say the decision to lay off on imposing further restrictions has paid off with fewer busines closures and increased hiring.

Regardless, some economists claim other factors play a large role in helping to produce the low unemployment rates, but also say that with so much lax, their may be a rebound which could cause businesses to shut down again.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, said the state has used a balanced approach to dealing with COVID-19.

Other governors of states with low unemployment say they are taking a similar approach, and remind the negative impact shutting down businesses can have.

“There’s consequences to what we’ve seen happen in other states,” South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem said in a report by the Associated Press. “Shutting down businesses, stopping people’s way of life has some devastating impacts. We’re taking a very balanced approach.”