The state's March unemployment rate was 3.5 percent (seasonally adjusted), unchanged from February (and January). The March 2023 rate was 3.2 percent. Indiana had 3.2 million employed persons in March in a labor force of 3.34 million people. In February, the state had 3.2 million workers in a labor force of 3.35 million. A year ago, the numbers were 3.28 million of 3.4 million.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 3.8 percent in March (seasonally adjusted), down from 3.9 percent in February. A year ago, the national rate was 3.5 percent. In March. the U.S. had 161.35 million employed persons in a labor force of 167.96 million. The previous month those numbers were 160.31 of 167.28 million. A year earlier, the U.S. had 160.7 million workers in a labor force of 166.78 million.

The unemployment rates for surrounding counties in March were Jasper 4.8 percent, Starke 5.4, Marshall 4.2, Fulton 4.9, Cass 4.6 and White 3.4 (all nearly unchanged from the previous month).

Lake County (6.0 percent), again had the state’s highest unemployment rate in March, followed by Fayette and Howard {both 5.5 percent). Neighboring Starke, Fulton and Jasper counties were in the bottom 15 counties with highest unemployment. Pulaski County was among five counties at 3.5 percent, ranking them at the state's 21st lowest unemployment rate of the 92 counties. Gibson County (3.0 percent)  again had the state's lowest unemployment rate in March, followed by Daviess and Dubois counties (3.1 percent).

EDITOR’S NOTE: Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sub-state level data are not seasonally adjusted due to sample size. For example, over the course of a year, the size of the labor force, employment and unemployment levels, and other measures of labor market undergo fluctuations due to seasonal events including changes in weather, harvests, major holidays, and school schedules. Therefore, for more accurate comparisons, data should be compared to the same month from prior years, not the previous month, as to better account for non-economic factors. Neighboring White County had the state's 13th lowest unemployment rate.

March 2024 Indiana Employment Report

INDIANAPOLIS (April 22) - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in March stands at 3.5%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for March stands at 3.8%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 62.6% for March, while the national rate is 62.7%. 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 3,380,807 - a decrease of 8,595 from the previous month.

"March 2024 was yet another record month for Indiana employment with more Hoosiers employed in the private sector than ever before," said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. "We saw an increase in demand for workers within six industry sectors including Private Education and Health Services and Professional and Business Services. These sectors added over two thousand jobs to Indiana. Combining these numbers with exciting announcements of new opportunities, including the SK Hynix announcement, shows the strength of the Indiana economy."

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,300 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 34,500 jobs from this time last year. Indiana's March private employment stands at 2,845,500.

Industries that experienced job increases in March included:

• Private Educational and Health Services (+1,200);
• Professional and Business Services (+1,100);
• Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+800);
• Construction (+400);
• Leisure and Hospitality (+300); and
• Financial Activities (+100).

As of April 16, 2024, there were 105,593 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending March 30, 2024, Indiana had 23,998 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.