By PETER HUSSMANN
Nearly 10 percent of the Jasper County's labor force was unemployed in January, new statistics released today by Iowa Workforce Development indicate.
Jasper County's jobless rate in January jumped to 9.9 percent, the highest point it's been in more than a year, and more than 3 percentage points above the statewide average and now at a rate above the national rate of 9.7 percent.
In December, Jasper County's unemployment rate stood at 8.8 percent. In January 2009, the rate stood at 8.9 percent.
Statewide, the unemployment rate rose slightly in January to 6.6 percent from a revised December rate of 6.5 percent. The state's jobless rate was 5.2 percent for the same month one year ago.
The statistics released today show that 1,740 of Jasper County's total labor force of 17,740 were unemployed in January. Statewide, Iowa's pool of unemployed workers rose to 111,000 in January from 109,800 in December. The estimate of unemployed people was reported at 86,900 in January 2009.
Even with rising unemployment rate, Iowa Workforce Development officials say they see signs of Iowa emerging from the nation's deep recession.
"Iowa has started the long journey back from a deep and prolonged recession," said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development. "Recent indicators show that confidence is beginning to rebuild among the state's employers, which will gradually lead to hiring activity."
The total number of working Iowans increased in January to 1,570,200 from 1,567,600 the month before. Total employment, however, was 18,900 higher a year ago.
You can view a state map showing January year-to-year unemployment rates here.
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