Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.8% in June, unchanged since April and .1% percent lower than a year ago, according to a report July 18 from Iowa Workforce Development.
However, the state’s labor force participation rate decreased to 66.5% in June, down from 66.7% in May, primarily due to increases in retirements.
The U.S. unemployment rate increased to 4.1% in June.
“Despite ongoing economic challenges, Iowa’s workforce held steady during June as private industries advanced by 1,500 jobs,” Iowa Workforce Development executive director Beth Townsend said in a release. “Iowa’s economy has shown great resilience and employers continue to hire. IowaWORKS.gov includes over 58,000 open jobs, and our team is ready to help Iowans find their next new opportunity.”
The number of unemployed Iowans dropped to 46,600 in June, down from 46,900 in May.
The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,641,400 in June – 3,200 lower than May and 21,400 lower than one year ago.
Iowa establishments gained 300 jobs in June, raising total nonfarm employment to 1,610,000 jobs, according to Iowa Workforce Development. While the state experienced strong gains in February and March, payrolls have been relatively flat over the last three months.
Private industry gains in June were highest in health care and social assistance, along with professional and business services. On the other hand, losses in manufacturing led to a small drop in goods-producing industries.
Overall, private industries advanced by 1,500 jobs in June, contrasted with a drop of 1,200 in government, which was related to the expected employment changes from schools breaking for the summer.
Among private industries, June’s largest gain was in health care and social assistance (+1,800), which has advanced by 3,900 jobs over the past three months. Professional and business services also grew in June (+1,100 jobs). Scientific and technical services fueled most of these gains (+700), although administrative support and waste management services also showed signs of hiring (+300). Other gains in June included retail trade (+600), construction (+400), and finance, which added jobs following losses over the prior three months (+300).
On the flip side, manufacturing shed 1,000 jobs in June to lead all sectors. Both chemical product and food industries were among those factories shedding jobs versus May. Leisure and hospitality reflected the only other decline (-800), fueled by losses in accommodations and food services.
Compared to last June, Iowa establishments have added 20,900 jobs. Health care and social assistance gained the most jobs during that span (+7,100). Leisure and hospitality industries also showed strong signs of hiring, adding 5,900 jobs over the last twelve months. Hiring in accommodations and food service businesses was responsible for all these jobs gained.
Alternatively, losses were smaller by comparison and led by transportation and warehousing (-1,400). Retail continues to trend down and has lost 1,200 jobs over the last twelve months. Manufacturing shed 300 jobs, with losses stemming from nondurable goods factories.
