Iowa’s Unemployment Rate Stays Put for Fifth Straight Month

To say that Iowa's unemployment rate is holding steady would be an understatement. According to the latest data, Iowa's rate is holding steady for the fifth straight month.

Iowa's Unemployment Rate Holding Steady

The Corridor Business Journal reports that Iowa's unemployment rate currently sits at 3.2%. That is according to data for the month of September from Iowa Workforce Development. If that number looks familiar, it should. It marks the fifth month in a row that Iowa's rate has been at 3.2%. Last year at this time, the state's unemployment rate sat at 3.1%, according to the CBJ. The national unemployment rate currently sits at 4.2%.

Rate Remains Steady, But Fewer Iowans Are Working

The CBJ reports that the total number of Iowans working in September was 1,665,500. That is down over 4,000 since August, and 19,800 workers lower than September of 2025. The decreases in the labor force were due to retirements and workers returning to education, according to Iowa Workforce Development.

What Sectors Are Adding Jobs?

According to the CBJ, Iowa Workforce Development stated that jobs in healthcare and construction grew to the highest levels ever recorded. Accommodations and food service also added jobs in the month of September.

Industries that reported job losses included manufacturing, private service, retail trade, arts, entertainment, and recreational services.

If you are looking for employment, Iowa Workforce Development says that there are over 60,000 openings currently at IowaWorks.gov.

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