DES MOINES, IOWA – Iowa's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 5.1 percent in October from 5.2 percent in September, and was also down from 5.8 percent one year ago. Meanwhile, 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.

Iowa's nonfarm employment increased by 6,000 jobs in October, bringing the total to 1,496,300. This month’s increase was the largest since February, when 7,500 jobs were added. All the gains occurred in the private sector in both the goods-producing and service providing industries, up 2,000 and 4,000, respectively. Government was unchanged. Nonfarm employment is now up 15,300 jobs compared to one year ago.

"The Iowa job market looked a little stronger in October, as the state’s unemployment rate continued to drop and hiring strengthened across most industry sectors," said Teresa Wahlert, director of Iowa Workforce Development. "Nonfarm jobs advanced by 6,000 in October, the largest monthly gain since February."

The number of unemployed Iowans decreased to 83,800 in October from 85,500 in September. The estimate was reported at 96,000 one year ago.