Unemployment rates for most of the region largely remained stable from July to August, but there were some noticeable jumps in two counties, according to data released this (Tuesday) morning by Iowa Workforce Development. Sac County recorded the largest month-to-month increase, rising from 3.0 percent in July to 3.7 percent in August. Unemployment in Sac County is currently 1.2 points higher compared to a year ago. Conversely, Greene County saw the most improvement, dropping to 2.6 percent in August from 3.6 percent in July. Audubon County led the way with the lowest unemployment in the coverage area at 2.2 percent, compared to 2.4 percent the previous month. Carroll County followed close behind at 2.4 percent, a tenth of a point increase month-to-month. Guthrie County came in at 2.9 percent, a 0.1-point increase from July but even with August 2023’s figures. Calhoun County’s rate increased by 0.2 points to 3.1 percent, while Crawford County rose from 4.2 percent to 4.3 percent. Iowa’s August 2024 unemployment rate measured 2.9 percent, while the national rate was 4.2 percent. A link to the complete IWD dataset is included below.
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