Local unemployment rates in the Corridor edged upward in October despite gains in nonfarm employment.

The unemployment rate for the Cedar Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area for October stood at 4.8 percent, compared to 4.6 percent in October.

In the Iowa City MSA, the October unemployment rate stood at 3.4 percent, compared to 3.2 percent for September. Iowa City’s October rate was tied with the Ames MSA rate for lowest in the state.

The Iowa City MSA gained 1,500 jobs from September, mainly in government, which added 600. Employment is 2,000 jobs higher than it was a year ago, with 1,800 more jobs in service-providing industries and 200 more jobs in goods-producing industries.

The Cedar Rapids MSA has gained 2,100 jobs from September, due mainly to a gain of 900 jobs in the education and health services sector. Employment in September was up 1,500 from a year ago.

Iowa’s statewide unemployment rate stood at 5.1 percent in October and the United States unemployment rate stood at 7.9 percent.