Des Moines, IA (Northwestiowa.com) — Iowa Workforce Development reported the statewide unemployment rate in August edged up slightly from 3.7% in July to 3.8%. County statistics lag the statewide numbers by a month, and every county in the KICD Broadcast area saw increased unemployment month over month. Two counties saw a better job picture in July compared to one year ago.

Osceola County had the lowest jobless rate at 2.8%. That was point 3% higher than both the previous month and the same month last year.

Four counties were at 3.2% for the month of July: In O’Brien County that was up point 3% for the month and half a percent from last year. In Cherokee County it was up half a percent for the month and .7% year over year. Dickinson County was up .1% from June and steady with last July. And Palo Alto County was up .4% month-over-month and up .2% percent year over year.

Clay County’s unemployment rate in July stood at 3.7%, up point 2%t from June but down 1.3% from July of 2024 when the community was still reeling from the aftermath of the flood.

Buena Vista County was an even 4% in July, up half a percent for the month and .2% for the year.

Pocahontas County was 4.1 %, up point 2% for the month and .6% for the year.

Emmet County’s jobless rate was 4.8% in July, up point 6% from June but down .7% from July of 2024.