Department of Numbers

Iowa Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Iowa fell 0.1 percentage points in December 2011 to 5.6%. The state unemployment rate was 2.9 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Iowa peaked in July 2010 at 6.2% and is now 0.6 percentage points lower. You can also see Iowa unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.5% -0.2 -0.9
Iowa 5.6% -0.1 -0.5

Note: All comparisons are made with December data as January state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Iowa, National

Iowa monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to December 2011

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Iowa Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Iowa peaked in August 2010 at 103,840. There are now 10,355 fewer people unemployed in the state. Iowa job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons December 2011 Month/Month Year/Year
Iowa 93,485 -1,250 -9,146

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Iowa from 1990 to December 2011

Iowa Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Iowa
Unemployment Rate
Iowa
Unemployed
January 2012 8.3%
December 2011 8.5% 5.6% 93,485
November 2011 8.7% 5.7% 94,735
October 2011 8.9% 6.0% 98,691
September 2011 9.0% 6.0% 100,117
August 2011 9.1% 6.1% 101,530
July 2011 9.1% 6.0% 100,437
June 2011 9.1% 6.0% 100,206
May 2011 9.0% 6.0% 100,490
April 2011 9.0% 6.0% 101,584
March 2011 8.9% 6.1% 102,476
February 2011 9.0% 6.0% 101,650
January 2011 9.1% 6.1% 101,917