DES MOINES, Iowa (KCRG) – A report from the Common Sense Institute (CSI) reveals new information about Iowa’s labor market.
According to the report, which is based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Iowa gained 300 nonfarm jobs in July 2025.
July marks the second consecutive month of net gains. However, CSI reports the state is still experiencing “a net loss of 1,300 jobs year-to-date.”
The report revealed struggles in the private sector, with employment down 900 jobs since the end of 2024. According to CSI, losses were “concentrated in several sectors, despite growth in others.”
The two industries that added the most jobs in July include education and health services, which added 2,100 jobs, and leisure and hospitality, which added 1,400 jobs.
In July, trade, transportation and utilities lost 1,200 jobs, professional and business services lost 1,000 jobs, and government lost 900 jobs.
Iowa’s unemployment rate remained at 3.7% in July. The labor force participation rate also remained at 67.4%.
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