DES MOINES — Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 percent in November from 5.1 percent in October. The statewide unemployment rate was 5.6 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate also continued to trend downward in November, falling to 7.7 percent from 7.9 percent in October.

“Iowa’s unemployment rate reached a milestone in November,” said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “November marked the first time since December 2008 that the state’s jobless rate was lower than 5.0 percent.” 

The number of unemployed Iowans dropped to 80,400 in November from 83,600 in October, and 92,600 in November 2011.