DES MOINES- Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.9 percent in May. The state’s jobless rate was 3.6 percent one year ago. The U.S. unemployment rate dropped to 4.7 percent in May compared to 5.0 percent in April.

Tama County’s unemployment rate was listed at 3.5 percent for May. This compares with a 3.9 percent unemployment rate in May, 2015.

“Consistent with the anemic job report posted nationally, Iowa did not see a decrease in the unemployment rate in May,” said Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend. “Although Iowa’s unemployment rate remained at 3.9 percent, Iowa saw a decline in its labor force. The drop may be attributed to a number of factors. On the positive side, construction, health services and education continue to lead all job sectors in growth for the year.”

The number of unemployed Iowans rose to 66,500 in May from 66,200 in April. The current estimate is 4,500 higher than the year ago level of 62,000.