County unemployment rate lower than state, national average

 After recording the lowest unemployment rate in 15 years for two consecutive months, Montgomery County’s jobless rate increased slightly in June while remaining well below the state and national average. 

Montgomery County’s unemployment rate increased to 3.4 percent, up from 3.3 percent in May and April, the lowest since it was 3.2 percent in November 2000. 

While June’s unemployment rate increased slightly, the number of people with jobs also increased from 5,060 to 5,180. However, the labor force also increased, from 5,230 to 5,360, as did the number of people receiving jobless benefits (170-180). 

The 3.4 percent unemployment rate is considerably lower than a year ago when it was 4.2 percent and in 2013 when it was 4.9 percent. 

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 3.7 percent in June from 3.8 percent in May.  The state’s jobless rate was 4.4 percent one year ago.  

“For the fourth time this year, the unemployment rate is down,” said Beth Townsend, director of Iowa Workforce Development.  “As the low unemployment trend continues, encouraging gains are being seen in the retail sector; the business establishment survey added 3,000 retail jobs this month.”

The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 63,700 in June from 64,800 in May.  The current estimate is 10,500 lower than the year ago level of 74,200.           

The total number of working Iowans decreased to 1,640,800 in June.  This figure was 4,900 lower than May, and 11,300 higher than one year ago.

The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 5.3 percent in June.