Jobless rate falls in Cedar Rapids area in May

Unemployment in the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor was a mixed picture in May.

The jobless rate in Cedar Rapids dipped to 3.5 percent in May from 3.7 percent in April, according to Iowa Workforce Development. Last month's figure contrasts with a 4.3 percent unemployment rate recorded in May 2014.

In Iowa City, the May jobless rate was 2.5 percent in May, unchanged from April but lower than 3.1 percent recorded in May 2014.

The Cedar Rapids metropolitan statistical area, or MSA, gained 1,800 nonfarm jobs from April and stands at 143,300. The area has added 500 jobs from a year ago, and 1,800 from the May 2013 level.

Gains in retail trade (600) led the over-the-month increase. Natural resources and construction added 500 jobs.

Professional and business services also contributed to the increase with a gain of 400 positions, although it remains 700 below May 2014. Durable goods manufacturing added 100 jobs but manufacturing as a whole held steady.

The only industry with a loss of jobs (200) was educational and health services, due to the school year winding down.

Over the year, the Cedar Rapids MSA added 500 jobs. Gains in trade and transportation (600), natural resources and construction (500), financial activities (300), educational and health services and leisure and hospitality (100 each), were partially offset by losses in professional and business services, information and manufacturing.

Nonfarm employment in the Iowa City metropolitan statistical area shed 1,200 jobs from last month, nearly all in state government (education). Leisure and hospitality contributed to the gain, adding 300 jobs. Trade, transportation and warehousing shed 100 jobs and professional and business services lost 200 positions.

A gain of 500 jobs from May 2014 was fueled by employment increases in goods producing industries as service providing industries held steady.