The state's May unemployment rate was 3.7 percent (seasonally adjusted), up slightly from 3.6 percent in April. The May 2023 rate was 3.2 percent. Indiana had 3.25 million employed persons in May in a labor force of 3.38 million people. In April, the state had 3.28 million workers in a labor force of 3.38 million. A year ago, the numbers were 3.29 million of 3.4 million.
THE U.S. EMPLOYMENT SITUATION U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics MAY 2024 Total nonfarm payroll employment increased by 272,000 in May, and the unemployment rate changed little at 4.0 percent, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in June. Employment continued to trend up in several industries, led by health care; government; leisure and hospitality; and professional, scientific, and technical services. Learn more at: www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/empsit.pdf |
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.0 percent in May (seasonally adjusted), up fractionally from 3.9 percent in April. A year ago, the national rate was 3.7 percent. In May, the U.S. had 161.34 million employed persons in a labor force of 167.58 million. The previous month those numbers were 161.59 of 167.48 million. A year earlier, the U.S. had 161.0 million workers in a labor force of 166.7 million.
The unemployment rates for surrounding counties in May were Jasper 4.2 percent, Starke 4.6, Marshall 3.9, Fulton 4.1, Cass 4.3 and White 3.2 (all higher than the previous month).
Howard County (5.7 percent), again had the state’s highest unemployment rate in May, followed by Fayette (5.5 percent) and Lake (5.4 percent) counties. Neighboring Starke and Cass counties were among the 15 counties with highest unemployment. Pulaski County was among eight counties at 3.3 percent, ranking them at the state's eighth lowest unemployment rate of the 92 counties. Neighboring White County had the state's fourth lowest unemployment rate. Daviess, Gibson and Martin counties (all at 3.1 percent) had the state's lowest unemployment rate in May.
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.
May 2024 Indiana Employment Report
INDIANAPOLIS (June 25) - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in May stood at 3.7%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for May stands at 4.0%.
In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 62.4% for May, remaining slightly below the national rate of 62.5%. 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 3,377,185 - a decrease of 1,679 from the previous month.
Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,400 jobs over the last month. In May of 2024 Indiana saw a gain of 36,100 jobs over this time last year in 2023. Indiana's May private employment stands at 2,850,400.
Industries that experienced job increases in May included:
- Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+1,200)
- Professional and Business Services (+1,600)
- Construction (+700)
- Financial Activities (+400)
- Leisure and Hospitality (+300)
As of June 17, 2024, there were 98,693 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on May 25, 2024, Indiana had 19,458 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.
Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.