INDIANA — According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the state’s unemployment rate in February was 3.5%. By comparison, the national unemployment rate was 3.9%.
In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 62.8% for February, remaining above the national rate of 62.5%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older who are either working or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include, primarily, students, retirees, and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness or adults responsible for their family’s childcare needs.
Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,389,372 – a decrease of 8,675 from the previous month.
“Indiana’s overall economic footing and outlook remain solid with near historically low unemployment,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “Peak private sector employment – 2,845,200 jobs – is driven by robust labor force participation in the key 25-54 demographic.”
Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 2,800 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 32,200 jobs from last year. Indiana’s February private employment stands at 2,845,200.
Industries that experienced job increases in February included:
- Private Educational and Health Services (+1,300);
- Manufacturing (+1,300);
- Leisure and Hospitality (+400);
- Professional and Business Services (+300); and
- Construction (+100).
As of March 18, 2024, there were 101,325 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on March 2, 2024, Indiana had 25,154 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.
Individuals seeking work, training, or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.
Data are sourced from February Current Employment Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey – US Census Bureau. February employment data for Indiana counties, cities, and MSAs will be available Monday, March 25, 2024, at 12 p.m. ET, pending U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics validation.
