October 2015 Indiana Employment Report

Unemployment Rate in Hoosier State at Lowest Level Since August of 2001

INDIANAPOLIS (November 20, 2015) – Indiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate now stands at 4.4 percent, the lowest rate experienced in the Hoosier State since August of 2001. Indiana’s labor force made further gains in October and continues to be a Midwest leader, adding 90,000 individuals since January 2013. Additionally, Indiana’s labor force participation rate has remained above the national average, (63.6 percent vs. 62.4 percent in October) for eighteen consecutive months.

Despite sizeable increases in the Manufacturing (+5,400), and Private Educational & Health (+2,900) sectors in October, total Hoosier Private sector increases were modest at 100, due to offsets in the Trade, Transportation & Utilities (-3,800), and Professional & Business Services (-1,900) sectors. Private sector employment in Indiana is now 12,800 jobs above March 2000 peak employment levels.

“The Hoosier unemployment rate is now at the lowest level since August of 2001,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “Additionally, Indiana’s labor force growth since January of 2013 continues to outpace all other Midwest states.”

Braun also noted weekly claims for unemployment insurance in Indiana continue to be at their lowest levels in more than a decade.

Employment by Sector

Sectors showing gains in October include: Manufacturing (+5,400), Private Educational & Health Services (+2,900), and Financial Activities (200). The Trade, Transportation & Utilities (-3,800), Professional & Business Services (-1,900), Leisure and Hospitality (-900), and Construction (-600) sectors declined in October. Total nonfarm employment decreased in October (-3,400).

Midwest Unemployment Rates

*Indiana’s September 2015 rate was revised downward to 4.4% by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics subsequent to the September Employment Report release.

EDITOR’S NOTES:

Data are sourced from October Current Employment Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Total private sector jobs were revised upward (+3,500) for September by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

October employment data for Indiana Counties, Cities, and MSA’s will be available Monday, November 23, 2015 at 12 p.m. pending U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics validation