Hunter
05/07/26
Statistics from Iowa Workforce Development released this week indicate that the seasonably-adjusted unemployment rate decreased slightly to 3.3 percent i March, from 3.4 percent in February.
Health care and social assistance added 1100 jobs in March to lead all sectors.
The US unemployment rate fell to 4.3 percent in March.
Meanwhile, a new analysis from the Common Sense Institute, based on the latest US Bureau of Labor Statistics data finds Iowa’s labor market continued to weaken in early 2026, with job losses and below-average growth compared to national trends.
Over the last 12 months, the state has shed 20,700 jobs, ranking 46th nationally in job growth. Additionally, Iowa’s lost 2200 jobs in the first quarter of 2026, the weakest first-quarter performance of the post-pandemic period.
Local data and more details on Iowa unemployment can be found at iowalmi.gov. The Common Sense Institute’s analysis is available below.