Indiana’s Unemployment Rate Continues to Fall
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As a subscriber you can listen to articles at work, in the car, or while you work out. Subscribe NowIndiana’s unemployment rate continued its downward trend in May, dropping to 3.2 percent, down 0.4 percent from the previous month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says the state added 2,500 private sector jobs last month, with private sector employment growing by more 36,100 over the past year. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures show the Indiana labor force decreased by more than 2,000 in May.
Indiana’s labor force stands at more than 3.3 million. The state’s labor force participation rate decreased slightly to 64.5 percent, which remains higher than the national rate of 62.7 percent, according to the DWD.
"Indiana continues to see its unemployment rate remain at levels not seen for nearly two decades. The state’s strong economy and the growing workforce needs of businesses are the main drivers of this," said DWD Commissioner Steven Braun. "Those who are unemployed or feel they are underemployed are urged to stay positive and take advantage of the resources and job assistance programs offered by their local WorkOne Career Centers."
The highest growth sectors for Indiana in May were private educational and health services, and construction. Gains in those sectors were partially offset by losses in manufacturing and transportation, trade, and utilities. The DWD says Indiana’s total private employment stands at 3,900 above the November 2016 peak.
Indiana’s unemployment rate remains below the national average of 4.3 percent and is the lowest among the surrounding states. Michigan has the next lowest rate at 4.2 percent.