Iowa unemployment rate rises slightly in June as more people looking to enter labor force

DES MOINES — The state’s unemployment rate in June rose slightly as more Iowans are looking to get into the workforce.

Iowa Workforce Development says for the second consecutive month, 3900 Iowans entered the labor force, bringing the state’s labor force participation rate to 67.4%, up from 67.3% in May. At the same time, Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for June rose a tenth of a percent to 3.7%.

The total number of working Iowans increased to 1,671,800 in June, 2700 higher than May and 8800 higher than a year ago.

Healthcare and social assistance gained the most jobs for the month at 7500, with gains being the highest in nursing and residential facilities, along with social assistance.

Leisure and hospitality shed the most jobs in June at 5200. Arts, entertainment, and recreation shed 2800, and accommodations and food services lost 2400 jobs.