DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate continued on a downward path in April, falling to 5.1 percent from 5.2 percent in March. The state’s jobless rate stood at 5.9 percent one year ago. Meanwhile, the U.S. unemployment rate edged down to 8.1 percent in April from 8.2 percent in March.
“Iowa’s recovery made further progress in April as the unemployment rate dropped for the fourth consecutive month and job growth occurred across several industry sectors, said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Job growth in the state’s construction industry has been particularly strong in 2012, signaling a turnaround in an industry that was adversely affected by the housing downturn.”
The number of unemployed Iowans dropped to 85,200 in April from 86,800 in March, and from 98,500 one year ago.
The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,578,200 in April from 1,575,700 in March. The current level is 12,100 higher than the April 2011 figure of 1,566,100.
Seasonally Adjusted Nonfarm Employment
Iowa’s total nonfarm employment increased to 1,496,300 in April, 5,800 higher than the March level. Job growth in April was spread across more sectors, but again gains were heaviest in the goods-producing industries, primarily in construction and manufacturing. The private sector contributed 4,700 jobs, while government added 1,100.
Advanced manufacturing continued to fuel the recovery, adding 1,000 jobs in durable goods factories. Construction posted a healthy gain of 2,700 in April, bringing the sector’s employment to 69,200, its highest level since 2008. Professional and business services added 1,500 jobs, and continues to rebound from the recent low that spanned the previous two quarters. Government was also in the positive column this month, advancing by 1,100 jobs. Transportation and warehousing lost a significant number of jobs for the second month in a row, down 1,100. This industry accounted for all of the losses in the trade and transportation super sector. All other losses were small in magnitude and included information (-200), education and health services (-100), and leisure and hospitality (-200).
Compared to April of last year, Iowa has added 18,100 jobs, a gain of 1.2 percent. Once again, manufacturing led all sectors in growth, up 12,500 jobs. Construction followed with year-over-year growth of 7,200. Smaller annual gains were posted for other services (1,600), education and health (1,400), and finance (1,000). Government lost 2,900 jobs since last April followed by a decrease of 2,800 jobs in retail trade.
