Iowa City has Lowest Unemployment in Nation

Rate was at 3.2 percent in April

Chris Rhatigan Iowa City Press-Citizen

Iowa City's unemployment rate was the lowest in the nation in April.

According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Iowa City metropolitan area's unemployment rate was 3.2 percent in April. That's down from 3.6 percent in March.

In March, Iowa City tied Bayou Cane-Thibodaux, La., for the lowest in the country. Bayou Cane-Thibodaux's unemployment remained at 3.6 percent for April, according to the report.

Ames also had a 3.6 percent unemployment rate for April.

Still, the national economic recession is having an effect everywhere. The report states that all 372 metropolitan areas polled have higher unemployment than a year earlier.

Ninety-three metropolitan areas reported unemployment at higher than 10 percent. El Centro, Calif., reported the highest unemployment rate, at 26.9 percent.

Joe Raso, president of the Iowa City Area Development group, said that with leaders in educational measurement, manufacturing and biotechnology, the news that local unemployment is low is not surprising.

"I think the diversity we have has stabilized our market," he said.

Raso said he anticipates that major employers will begin to make investments in the Iowa City area again once credit markets thaw.

A wind energy company has expressed interest in locating a manufacturing plant in Iowa City but also is considering other locations.

The news on the unemployment statistics comes a day after University Hospitals announced plans to lay off employees. An exact number of layoffs will be announced by the end of the month.