2.4% Unemployment Rate Beats State, National Averages
By Michael Hohenbrink
Mid-America Publishing
While Iowa’s statewide average crept up to 3.1 percent, most of the region outperformed the Hawkeye State.
Most of the region bested the state jobs report released by Iowa Workforce Development.
Story County was the regional leader at 2.2 percent, followed by Wright at 2.4 percent and Franklin at 2.5 percent with Butler clocking in at 2.7 percent as Hamilton was at 2.8 percent. Hardin County clocked in at three percent in the latest unemployment numbers.
Grundy County tied the state average at 3.1 percent.
“The bright spot in November’s report was that 1,600 Iowans came back to the labor force in search of a job,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “This is a welcome sign for Iowa in terms of our economic stability and growth, as well as for employers who currently are trying to fill over 50,000 open jobs. Now that we are past the election, we hope to see more hiring, more Iowans returning to the workforce, and increased growth overall.”
Marshall County had the highest rate in the state with 4.8 percent, followed by Scott at 4.4 percent.
Nationally, the U.S. rate increased to 4.1 percent.
Sioux County was the best in the state with 1.8 percent.
Driving tractors include gains in leisure and hospitality (up 700 jobs) while the arts and entertainment sector lost 200 jobs. Food production and animal processing saw heavy hiring.
