Iowa’s unemployment rate remained stuck in the 6 percent range in September, as the number of working Iowans fell to its lowest point of the year.

The September unemployment rate of 6 percent was down slightly from 6.1 percent in August, Iowa Workforce Development reported. It was still about three points lower than the national unemployment rate of 9.1 percent, and below Iowa’s September 2010 rate of 6.2 percent.

Nonfarm employment dropped 5,700 jobs in September, to reach 1,482,200. The total number of working Iowans fell to 1,560,900 from 1,563,200 in August, Iowa Workforce Development said, reaching the lowest level of the year.

The largest job gains in September came in the trade and transportation sector, principally its retail component, which gained 1,200 jobs.

Job losses in September were concentrated in leisure and hospitality, which shed 2,300 jobs as summer recreational activities ended early this season. The sector was improved over 2010, however, when it provided 6,400 fewer jobs.