State Unemployment Rate Holds Steady

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Indiana's unemployment rate in July was 5.9 percent, unchanged compared to June. The Department of Workforce Development says the private sector added nearly 10,000 jobs during the month. Indiana is still below the national average of 6.2 percent. August 18, 2014

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – The Hoosier State gained 9,900 private sector jobs in July, with gains largely concentrated in the manufacturing sector (+5,500). Indiana has added over 66,300 private sector jobs over the past year and 244,000 since July, 2009, the low point of employment in the state.

Despite Indiana's significant private sector gains, the unemployment rate held steady in the Hoosier State at 5.9 percent in July, mainly due to another sizeable increase in the labor force. Indiana's labor force has grown by more than 54,000 over the past year at a rate that is over eight times larger than the national rate of growth during the same time period (1.71% vs. 0.21 percent).

“Indiana followed up a record-breaking June by adding nearly 10,000 more private sector jobs in July,” said Scott B. Sanders, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “The Hoosier labor force has also grown by over 54,000 individuals in the past year at a rate that is more than eight times larger than the national rate of growth during the same time period, which is quite remarkable.”

Sanders also noted initial claims and continued claims for unemployment insurance benefits remain at levels not seen since 2000.

Employment by Sector

Sectors showing gains in July include: Manufacturing (5,500), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (3,200), Private Educational & Health Services (2,100), Construction (900), and Financial Activities (200). Sectors showing declines in July include Professional & Business Services (-2,100), and Leisure and Hospitality (-500). Total non-farm employment decreased in July (-600).

Midwest Unemployment Rates

July 2013 June 2014 July 2014 Monthly Change

Indiana 7.6% 5.9% 5.9% 0.0%

U.S. 7.3% 6.1% 6.2% 0.1%

Illinois 9.2% 7.1% 6.8% -0.3%

Kentucky 8.4% 7.4% 7.4% 0.0%

Michigan 9.0% 7.5% 7.7% 0.2%

Ohio 7.5% 5.5% 5.7% 0.2%

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development