According to data released yesterday (Thursday) by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD), Iowa’s unemployment rate ticked up to 2.9 percent in August, ending a four-month stretch at 2.8 percent. The number of unemployed Iowans increased by 800 to 48,400. The state’s labor force participation rate slipped by 0.1 points to 66.3 percent. IWD Director Beth Townsend says, “National headwinds continue to cause Iowa employers some collective concern about uncertainty in the U.S. economy. This might explain the sluggish hiring we are seeing now. However, opportunities still exist, as Iowa’s unemployment level remains low, and there are more than 54,000 job openings posted on IowaWORKS.gov. IWD career planners can help match anyone ready to work with those employers who are ready to hire.” Approximately 1.6354 million Iowans were employed in August, down 2,400 from July. Nonfarm employment saw a slight decline, shedding 600 jobs, with the professional and business services sector losing about 1,800 jobs, while construction and other services made up for some of those losses by adding 700 jobs each, and the government sector increased by 400 jobs. U.S. unemployment for August 2024 measured at 4.2 percent. IWD is slated to release Iowa’s county-by-county figures early next week. For a more in-depth look at the statewide data, follow the link included below.
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