Iowa’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.0 percent for October, compared with 3.6 percent a year ago. The national rate fell to 4.1 percent in October. “Iowa’s unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level since January, 2001. This is great news for Iowa’s economy as we move into the holiday season,” said Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development director. Townsend said the biggest job growth was in manufacturing, a sector that has gained 6,000 jobs in the past year.