Jefferson County?s unemployment percentage rate declines in October

Unemployment in Jefferson County declined from 5.8 percent in September to 5.7 percent in October.

According to Iowa Workforce Development figures, in September, Jefferson County had a labor force of 7,560, with 7,120 employed and 440 unemployed. In October, the county had a labor force of 7,880, with 7,430 employed and 450 unemployed.

The Iowa Workforce Development figures show a decrease in unemployment in Van Buren County from 5.8 percent in September to 5.6 percent in October.

In September, Van Buren County had a labor force of 3,630, with 3,420 employed and 210 unemployed. In October, the county had a labor force of 3,790, with 3,580 employed and 210 unemployed.

In nearby Henry County, the unemployment rate rose from 5.6 percent in September to 5.7 percent in October.

In Washington County, the rate remained steady at 3.6 percent.

Lyon County had the lowest unemployment rate in October: 2.4 percent. Lee County had the highest unemployment rate in October: 7.9 percent.

The county employment numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

Iowa?s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 5.1 percent in October from 5.2 percent in September and was also down from 5.8 percent one year ago.

The U.S. unemployment rate rose slightly to 7.9 percent in October from 7.8 percent in September, but was one percentage point lower than the year ago rate of 8.9 percent.