The local unemployment rate decreased for the second straight month in March, according to the latest data from Iowa Workforce Development.

The unemployment rate in Marion County dropped to 2.3% last month, which is down from 2.5% in February and 2.7% in January. There are 18,770 residents employed and 440 seeking work and receiving benefits. The rate also decreased in Warren County to 2.7% in March, which is down from 3.0% in February and 3.3% in January. There are 28,500 employed residents and 800 individuals seeking work and receiving benefits.

Statewide, Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate saw a slight decline to 2.9% in March, which is down from 3.0% in January and February but up from the 2.8% mark in March 2023.