The state's August unemployment rate was 4.2 percent (seasonally adjusted), up from 4.0 percent in July. The August 2023 rate was 3.4 percent. Indiana had 3.28 million employed persons in August in a labor force of 3.43 million people. In July, the state had 3.28 million workers in a labor force of 3.45 million. A year ago, the numbers were 3.29 million of 3.41 million.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in August (seasonally adjusted), down fractionally from 4.3 percent in July. A year ago, the national rate was 3.8 percent. In August, the U.S. had 161.35 million employed persons in a labor force of 168.7 million. The previous month those numbers were 162.04 million of 169.7 million. A year earlier, the U.S. had 161.4 million workers in a labor force of 168.05 million.

The unemployment rates for surrounding counties in August were Jasper 4.5 percent, Starke 5.1, Marshall 4.2, Fulton 4.5, Cass 5.7 and White 3.7 (most lower than the previous month).

Howard County (11.0 percent) again had the state's highest unemployment rate in August, followed by Miami (7.1 percent) and Lake (6.4 percent) counties. Neighboring Starke County had the state's 15th highest unemployment rate. Pulaski County was among eight counties at 3.8 percent, ranking them at the state's 25th lowest unemployment rate of the 92 counties. Neighboring White County had the state's 19th lowest unemployment rate. Boone, Clinton, Dubois and Martin counties (all at 3.3 percent) had the state's lowest unemployment rate in August.

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.

August 2024 Indiana Employment Report

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 20) - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in August stood at 4.2%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for August was also at 4.2%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 62.7% equal to the national rate of 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 3,398,064.

August 2024 total private employment is 607,500, an increase from the previous month. In August of 2024 Indiana reported 2,887,100 jobs, a new private employment peak.

Industries that experienced job increases in August included:

• Manufacturing (+ 1,800)
• Construction (+ 1,800)
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+1,200)
• Leisure & Hospitality (+ 1,100)
• Private Education & Health Services (+1,000)

As of Sept. 16, there were 89,103 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on Aug.31, Indiana had 21,828 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

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