Posted 22 May, 2026
Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was stable at 3.3 percent in April. The state’s jobless rate was 3.6 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate remained at 4.3 percent in April.
The total number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 57,200 in April from 58,100 in March.
The total number of working Iowans dropped to 1,677,900 in April. This figure is 2,800 lower than March and 3,400 higher than one year ago. Meanwhile, the labor force participation rate decreased from 67.7 percent in March to 67.5 percent in April.
“April results indicate Iowa experienced stronger-than-expected growth in leisure and hospitality, along with notable increases in the hiring for health care, manufacturing, and construction jobs,” said Beth Townsend, Executive Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “While gains were modest, it nonetheless demonstrates that opportunities exist for any Iowan entering the workforce – especially when it comes to careers in health care and social assistance, which currently employs 4,300 more people than it did a year ago. Across the state, IowaWORKS.gov has nearly 55,000 open positions waiting for anyone who wants a new or better career."