The state's February unemployment rate was 4.3 percent (seasonally adjusted), down slightly from 4.4 percent in January. The February 2024 rate was 3.8 percent. Indiana had 3.316 million employed persons in February in a labor force of 3.473 million people. In January, the state had 3.318 million workers in a labor force of 3.473 million. A year ago, the numbers were 3.3 million of 3.43 million.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.1 percent in February (seasonally adjusted), up fractionally from 4.0 percent in January. A year ago, the national rate was 3.9 percent. In February, the U.S. had 162.5 million employed persons in a labor force of 170.1 million. The previous month those numbers were 162.3 million of 169.8 million. A year earlier, the U.S. had 160.3 million workers in a labor force of 167.3 million.

The unemployment rates for surrounding counties in February were Jasper 5.5 percent, Starke 6.6, Marshall 4.3, Fulton 5.0, Cass 5.1 and White 4.8.

Howard County (7.1 percent) had the state's highest unemployment rate in June, followed by Lake (6.7 percent), Crawford and Starke counties (6.6 percent) counties. Neighboring Jasper, Cass and Fulton counties were among the 15 counties with highest unemployment. Pulaski County was among nine counties at r.3 percent, ranking them with the state's 33rd lowest unemployment rate of the 92 counties. Union County (at 3.2 percent), followed by Hamilton, Daviess and Boone counties (all at 3.4 percent) had the state's lowest unemployment rate in February.

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.

February 2025 Indiana Employment Report

INDIANAPOLIS (March 28) - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in February was recorded to be 4.3%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate reported for February was 4.1%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63.8% compared to the national rate of 62.4%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older that 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 3,487,942 and is a new peak for Indiana.

February 2025 total private employment is 2,825,200 a decrease of 3,300 from the previous month. 

Industries that experienced job increases this month included:

• Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+300)
• Construction (+200)

As of March 4, 2025, there were 85,212 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on March 1, 2025, Indiana had 26,542 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

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