According to data released this morning by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 2.8 percent in April. This figure is down 0.1 percentage points from March and matches the rate seen in April 2023. The state’s labor force participation rate decreased to 66.8 percent, down from 67 percent the previous month. Nationally, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 3.9 percent in April. IWD Director Beth Townsend says, “April’s report shows signs of easing across the Iowa economy, with several industries inching back from huge hiring sprees earlier in the year. Many industries remain at or near historic highs for employment despite Iowa’s aging workforce. Last month was the tenth month during the past year where Iowans voluntarily left the workforce, possibly to retire or go back to school. With IowaWORKS continuing to list more than 56,000 open jobs, we see plenty of opportunities available for those Iowans who want to work.” The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 47,200 in April from 48,700 in March. The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,646,900 in April, 1,300 fewer than in March and 19,300 fewer than a year ago. Iowa’s nonfarm employment decreased by 900 jobs to 1,610,800. Private service and government hiring were offset by layoffs in goods-producing industries, particularly construction, which lost 3,100 jobs. A link to the IWD April Unemployment Report is included with this story on our website. County-by-county figures are slated for release next week.
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