Indiana Jobless Rate Inches Down

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Indiana's unemployment rate in February was 5.9 percent, compared to 6 percent in January. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says the economy added 1,700 private sector jobs in February, meaning the state has reported growth in 20 of the past 25 months.

Indianapolis, Ind. — Continuing the recent trend, the Hoosier State added 1,700 private sector jobs in February. Indiana has now experienced private sector job growth in 20 of the past 25 months. Gains in February were concentrated in the Private, Educational & Health Services (+2,500), Leisure and Hospitality (+2,200), and Manufacturing (+600) sectors. Private sector employment in the Hoosier State has grown by 98,700 over the past two years. Since July 2009, the low point of employment, 268,400 private sector jobs have been added in total.

Indiana's unemployment rate also declined by 0.1 percent to 5.9 percent in February. Unemployment in the Hoosier State is now down by 2.4 percent over the past two years, and the labor force has grown by 82,000 individuals. Although Indiana's labor force participation rate decreased by 0.1 percent to 62.8 percent in February, it continues to be a full percentage point higher than the national average, and has exceeded the national rate for 11 months in a row.

“Indiana's consistent private sector growth, particularly over the past two years, is an encouraging trend,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “Equally as important is the fact that during that time, our labor force has also grown by 82,000 individuals, which is one of the largest increases in the nation. Hoosiers, encouraged by the availability of good jobs, are reengaging in the workforce.”

Employment by Sector

Sectors showing gains in February include: Private Educational & Health Services (2,500), Leisure and Hospitality (2,200), Manufacturing (600), and Construction (500). The Professional and Business Services (-2,000), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (-1,000) and Financial Activities (-500) sectors declined in February. Total nonfarm employment increased in February (4,200).

Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development