Unemployment numbers rise in Jefferson, nearby counties

Unemployment in Jefferson County rose from 7.8 percent in December to 8.7 percent in January.

According to Iowa Workforce Development figures, in January Jefferson County had a labor force of 8,010, with 7,310 employed and 700 unemployed. In December, the county had a labor force of 7,820, with 7,210 employed and 610 unemployed.

The figures also show there was a slight increase of unemployment in Van Buren County from 8.1 percent in December to 8.9 percent in January.

In January, Van Buren County had a labor force of 3,890, with 3,540 employed and 350 unemployed. In December, the county had a labor force of 3,820, with 3,510 employed and 310 unemployed.

Unemployment numbers also rose in Henry and Washington counties. In Henry County, unemployment rose from 8.6 percent in December to 9.6 in January, and in Washington County, it rose from 5.0 percent in December to 6.6 percent in January.

The county employment numbers are not seasonally adjusted.

Throughout the state, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January remained stable at 6.1 percent. The newly revised labor force series for 2010 also places the month ago and year ago rates at 6.1 percent. Meanwhile, the monthly snapshot of the national job market reflected a drop in the January unemployment rate to 9.0 percent from 9.4 percent a month earlier.

Iowa Workforce Development Director Teresa Wahlert stated the numbers show Iowa?s economic recovery is steadily gaining traction.

?The statewide unemployment rate is stable, total employment has been trending upward over the past few months, and nonfarm employment increased in January,? she said.

The monthly estimate of unemployed persons declined to 102,100 in January from 102,600 in December. However, the current level is 900 higher than last January?s 101,200.

The total number of working Iowans rose to 1,576,500 in January, the highest level reported since April 2009. The January figure was up from 1,572,900 in December, and was 13,400 higher than the year ago total of 1,563,100.

Workforce Development is scheduled to release statewide and local date for February Friday.