Jobless rate falls in Iowa, Corridor

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell in Iowa and the Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Corridor last month when compared with November.

Statewide, 4.1 percent of the workforce was unemployed in December, down from 4.5 percent in November, according to Iowa Workforce Development. December's jobless rate also was lower than the 4.2 percent in December 2013.

The state's total nonfarm employment increased by 2,100 jobs in December, rising to 1,560,600. The gain was fueled by goods-producing industries along with professional and business services.

Education and health services added 5,600 jobs to lead all sectors. Construction also fared well, gaining 4,700 jobs.

Private services added 900 jobs, which was offset by a shedding of 900 jobs in government. Government sectors were hampered by layoffs at local and state government, but many of the losses were seasonal and should be recovered when the numbers are released for January.

Manufacturing rebounded in December, adding 1,600 jobs. Durable goods factories added 1,000 jobs, while nondurable goods added 600 jobs.

The unemployment rate for the Cedar Rapids metropolitan statistical area (MSA) slipped to 3.9 percent in December from 4.1 percent in November. The labor force declined to 147,300 last month from 148,100 in November, and the number of residents employed also fell to 141,200 in December from 142,400 the previous month.

The jobless rate in the Iowa City MSA edged down to 2.6 percent in December from 2.7 percent in November. The labor force declined to 99,200 last month from 99,800 in November, and the number of employed residents declined to 96,500 in December from 97,200 the previous month. Iowa Workforce Development will release more data this week about employment additions and losses in metropolitan areas of the state.