Iowa unemployment rate stagnant at 6.8 percent

DES MOINES – Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for September remained at 6.8 percent for the third consecutive month. One year ago, the state's jobless rate stood at 6.4 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 9.6 percent in September.

“Job growth is expected to remain uneven through the rest of 2010,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. “Hiring will gradually strengthen in 2011, as the economy moves from a stimulus-fed recovery toward a self-sustaining expansion.”

The statewide estimate of unemployed persons dropped slightly to 113,300 in September from 113,700 in August. The level was reported at 106,400 one year ago.

The total number of working Iowans rose slightly to 1,561,600 in September from 1,558,200 in August. The year-ago estimate was 6,600 higher at 1,568,200.

- Iowa Workforce Development