Iowa’s unemployment rate remains at 2.4 percent for third month

DES MOINES — Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 2.4 percent in December. The state’s jobless rate was 2.9 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in December.

December
Unemployment Rate

“In 2018, four out of every five jobs created in Iowa were in the construction and manufacturing sectors,” said Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Because more Iowans are employed in manufacturing than in any other industry and construction is a leading economic indicator of growth across industries - this month’s jobs report indicates we are moving in the right direction - our manufacturing core is getting stronger and our businesses are focused on development. The challenge we face is ensuring Iowans have the skills our employers need to power their potential.

The time is now to invest in Future Ready Iowa, a powerful tool to grow family incomes, meet employer needs and strengthen communities.”

The number of unemployed Iowans remained at 40,600 in December. The current estimate is 8,700 lower than the year ago level of 49,300.

The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,651,300 in December. This figure was 2,300 higher than November and 25,700 higher than one year ago.