Sharp drops in unemployment rates were reported by Iowa Workforce Development in their latest release of county-by-county data this week.

In Marion County, 2.7% unemployment was reported in April which is an improvement from 3.3% in March. There are 17,610 individuals working, and 490 receiving benefits and seeking work. One year ago, the rate was 8.6% locally, attributed to closures related to COVID-19. Unemployment was at 1.9% in April of 2019.

In Warren County, 3.3% unemployment was reported in April, which is below the 4% rate from March. The number of employed residents is at 26,900 and 900 individuals are considered unemployed but seeking work. One year ago, the rate was 8.6% locally, attributed to closures related to COVID-19. Unemployment was at 2.3% in April of 2019.

Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was at 3.8%, reduced from the revised March number of 4.5%. The state’s jobless rate was 11% one year ago and 2.5% in 2019.