Iowa’s number of unemployment claims last week were more than double the unemployment rate for the month of March, and more than three times that of February. Unemployment rates are climbing as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Iowa Workforce Development said last week the initial unemployment claims for those who work in Iowa added up to 27,912. The number of continuing weekly unemployment claims was 151,846. Unemployment payments totaled just over $48-million for the same week.

Industries with the most claims included manufacturing with 5,143, health care and social assistance with 3,985, self-employed or independent contractors with 3,817, retail trade with 3,307, and accommodation or food service with 2,606. In March the state had 63,500 people unemployed.

Unemployment Rates by County
County – February %, March 5
Henry – 3.3, 3.8
Iowa – 2.9, 3.4
Jefferson – 2.4, 3.0
Johnson – 1.9, 2.6
Keokuk – 4.4, 4.9
Louisa – 4.2, 4.5
Washington – 3.3, 3.6
State – 2.8 (49,300 people), 3.7 (63,500 people)