Nebraska's jobless rate remained stable at 4.9 percent during October. That is less than half that of the national rate, which continued to climb, reaching 10.2 percent.

Omaha, despite adding 1,346 jobs during the month, saw its unemployment improve slightly to 4.8 percent from 4.9 percent in September. Compared to last year, there are almost 10,000 fewer jobs in the Omaha metropolitan area, which includes Council Bluffs.

There were 483 jobs added statewide, and private education and health services continued to be the only sector to experience job growth, according to the Nebraska Department of Labor.

"Nebraska's economy appears to be starting on the road to recovery," said Catherine Lang, Nebraska labor commissioner. "We continue to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country, and the numbers of layoffs and business closures have started to slow down as well."

While the state jobless rate is now the second lowest in country behind North Dakota at 4.2 percent, it remains 1.5 percent higher than last year. In Omaha, it's increased 1.3 percent since 20008.

Iowa saw unemployment rise slightly to 6.7 percent over a revised September rate of 6.6 percent.

“Significant economic obstacles lie ahead for the state, and October offered further evidence the Iowa economy continues to be challenged,” said Elisabeth Buck, director of Iowa Workforce Development.

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444-1414, ross.boettcher@owh.com