Washington County unemployment falls to 4.9%

Washington County's unemployment rate fell by 0.2% to 4.9% in July, 2011. This small statistical change occured even as the reported labor force and employment levels held steady. The County was tied with Johnson County for the lowest unemployment rate in east central and southeast Iowa.

Washington County's labor force statistically held steady at 11,700, and the number of employed persons was flat at 11,100.  Neighboring Johnson County had a slight expansion in labor force and in unemployed persons for a 4.9% unemployment rate.

Of the estimated 600 Washington County unemployed persons, 183 were drawing Unemployment Insurance benefits (up from 178 in June).  For 19 of those receiving Unemployment benefits, their last payment occurred in July, while 51 received their first Unemployment benefit payment.

The State of Iowa's unemployment rate held steady at 6.0% from April, May and June. Looking further, the number of unemployed persons in Iowa increased by about 700, while the number of employed persons  decreased by 7,500 as the State's labor force contracted by 6,500.  The national unemployment fell by 0.1% from June to 9.1% in July.

State and County data is from the Labor Market and Economic Research Bureau of the Iowa Workforce Development. ?

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