Unemployment numbers rise in Jefferson County

Unemployment in Jefferson County rose from 5.6 percent in October to 5.8 percent in November.

According to Iowa Workforce Development figures, in October, Jefferson County had a labor force of 7,870, with 7,420 employed and 440 unemployed. In November, the county had a labor force of 7,790, with 7,340 employed and 450 unemployed.

The Iowa Workforce Development figures show an increase in unemployment in Van Buren County from 5.5 percent in October to 6 percent in November.

In October, Van Buren County had a labor force of 3,790, with 3,580 employed and 210 unemployed. In November, the county had a labor force of 3,750, with 3,530 employed and 220 unemployed.

In nearby Henry County, the unemployment rate declined from 5.6 percent in October to 5.5 percent in November.

In Washington County, the rate declined from 3.5 percent in October to 3.4 percent in November.

Lyon County had the lowest unemployment rate in November: 2.2 percent. Lee County had the highest unemployment rate in November: 7.6 percent.

The county employment numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

Iowa?s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropped to 4.9 percent in November from 5.1 percent in October.  The statewide unemployment rate was 5.6 percent one year ago.  The U.S. unemployment rate also continued to trend downward in November, falling to 7.7 percent from 7.9 percent in October.