Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.1% with the biggest shift in Construction, Mining, which gained 700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2022.

Total employment in the Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA market declined by 2,482 jobs in March and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 3.1%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 39 bps over the same time to 3.8%.

  • Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA unemployment rate is 65 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 160 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in March versus prior month by 2.9% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Unemployment March 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs declined by -0.1%. Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 72,200; no change
  • Financial Services: 56,500; no change
  • Education & Healthcare: 52,000; -600
  • Business Services: 50,400; no change
  • Government: 47,700; +200
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 33,100; -600
  • Manufacturing: 21,900; +100
  • Construction, Mining: 20,100; +700
  • Other Jobs: 12,700; no change
  • IT & Development: 6,100; no change
Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA Unemployment by Industry March 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through March 2022 (Data published April 2022 and reports created on April 27, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.