The unemployment rate in Washington County increased from July to August. The rate went from 3% to 3.5% according to Iowa Workforce Development. The State of Iowa’s rate rose slightly, from 4.1% in July to 4.2% in August. Area counties that also saw increases include Henry, Jefferson, Keokuk and Louisa. Iowa County’s rate fell from 3.5% to 3.2% and Johnson County’s unemployment rate of 3.2% remained unchanged. The highest unemployment rate is in Lee County at 8.1% while the lowest is in the opposite corner of the state at 2.3% in Lyon County.

County – July rate, August rate
Henry – 4.1, 4.4
Iowa – 3.5, 3.2
Jefferson – 4.2, 4.6
Johnson – 3.2, 3.2
Keokuk – 4.8, 5.0
Louisa – 4.2, 4.5
Washington – 3.0, 3.5
State of Iowa – 4.1, 4.2