Unemployment Dips in October

Workforce Development is one of several state departments to collaborate on the plan

Indiana’s unemployment rate dropped to 4.4 percent in October, compared to 4.5 percent the previous month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says the state added 3,400 private sector jobs last month.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says Indiana’s total labor force decreased by more than 16,000 last month and currently stands at more than 3.3 million. The state’s labor force participation rate is 65 percent, above the national rate of 62.8 percent.

"While Indiana’s low unemployment rate is a positive economic indicator, it has also created a challenge for Hoosier businesses to find skilled workers, particularly in fields like information technology and advanced manufacturing," said DWD Commissioner Steven Braun. "Fortunately, local WorkOne Career Centers can assist unemployed and underemployed Hoosiers in attaining the in-demand skills required to fill the thousands of good-paying jobs currently available across the state."

The highest growth sectors for Indiana in October were private education and health services, trade, transportation and utilities, and leisure and hospitality. The professional and business services, manufacturing and financial service sectors reported losses last month.

Indiana remains well below the national unemployment rate, which dropped slightly to 4.9 percent. Indiana is reporting the lowest unemployment rate of the surrounding states, with Michigan being the closest at 4.7 percent as well.

You can find more information on the October employment report by clicking here.