(Des Moines) Iowa’s unemployment rate in June remained unchanged at 2.8 percent, 0.1 percent lower than a year ago. The state’s labor force participation rate dropped to 66.5 percent from 66.7 percent in May, mainly due to increased retirements. On the national level, the U.S. unemployment rate rose to 4.1 percent in June.
Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development, stated, “Despite ongoing economic challenges, Iowa’s workforce remained stable in June as private industries added 1,500 jobs. Iowa’s economy has demonstrated great resilience, with employers continuing to hire. IowaWORKS.gov lists over 58,000 open positions, and our team is ready to assist Iowans in finding their next opportunity.”
The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 46,600 in June from 46,900 in May. The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,641,400 in June, 3,200 fewer than in May, and 21,400 fewer than a year ago.