Pulaski County unemployment dips to 3.6% in September

THE U.S. EMPLOYMENT SITUATION

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

September 2024

Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 254,000 in September, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.1 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today. Employment continued to trend up in food services and drinking places, health care, government, social assistance, and construction.

Learn more at: www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf

The unemployment rates for surrounding counties in September were Jasper 4.4 percent, Starke 4.9, Marshall 4.0, Fulton 4.4, Cass 5.1 and White 3.6 (all lower than the previous month).

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.

September 2024 Indiana Employment Report

INDIANAPOLIS (Oct. 22) - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in September stood at 4.3%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate reported for September was 4.1%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63% compared 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 3,417,810 and is at its highest on record.

September 2024 total private employment is 608,300, an increase of 800 from the previous month and above the April 2020 Trough. In September of 2024 Indiana reported 2,872,600 jobs, a new private employment peak.

Industries that experienced job increases in September included:

Private Education & Health Services (+1,200)
Construction (+1,000)
Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+900)
Financial Activities (+600)
Professional and Business Services (+400)

As of Sept. 16, there were 89,103 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on Sept. 28, Indiana had 20,383 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

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