The Iowa Workforce Development recently released the State’s October unemployment data, with Washington County recording the second-lowest unemployment rate in the area.

Ninety-eight of Iowa’s 99 counties saw an increase in unemployment rates since October of 2022. Washington County’s unemployment rate rose from 2.4 percent last year to 2.7 percent in 2023. This was the smallest increase in the KCII listening area. Henry County came in with the highest unemployment rate at 3.4 percent, followed by Keokuk County at 3.3, Jefferson and Louisa County at 3.2, Johnson County at 2.8, and Iowa County at 2.6. Each of the seven counties also saw a slight increase from September to October.

As a whole, the State of Iowa recorded an October unemployment rate of 3.2 percent, a .1 percent increase from last year, and .2 percent higher than September of 2023. This still beats the National rate, which is at 3.9. To view the data in its entirety, or for unemployment resources, click here.