Statewide Iowa (RI) — Iowa Workforce Development director Beth Townsend says the December unemployment number held steady while the number of people looking for work increased.
The total number of unemployed Iowans decreased by 400 compared to November at 61,400. The total number of working Iowans was up 5,000 in December, and is 27,300 higher than one year ago.
Townsend says they’d love to get back to the pre-pandemic 69 percent workforce participation, but the state is trending in the right direction.
The numbers show the retail sector lost 1,500 jobs in December and manufacturing lost a combined 1,300 jobs.
Townsend says manufacturing lost the most jobs in 2025, but she says those workers have many options.
Townsend says the demand for manufacturing workers is similar to some other areas.
The U.S. unemployment rate decreased to four-point-four percent in December.
KIWA Staff Photo
