Iowa Workforce Development has released the state’s first unemployment report since the recent government shutdown, offering a delayed snapshot of September’s labor market. According to agency spokesperson Jesse Dougherty, Iowa’s unemployment rate dipped to 3.7% in September, a decrease of one-tenth of a percentage point from the previous month.

Dougherty described September as a steady month for employment. He said the state saw encouraging movement in both participation and hiring, with the labor force growing and about 3,700 jobs added during the month.

Still, he urged Iowans not to overread a single month of data—especially one published late. Because the shutdown postponed reporting, Dougherty said more complete information in the coming weeks will better clarify where the economy i

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