October 2016 Indiana Employment Report
Unemployment Rate Remains Below Neighboring States and Nation
INDIANAPOLIS (November 18, 2016) – Indiana’s unemployment rate decreased by 0.1 percent to 4.4 percent in October. The national unemployment rate for October is 4.9 percent. The state’s labor force, a measure of Hoosiers employed or seeking employment, has increased by 83,409 (2.5 percent) over the year. Indiana’s total labor force stands at over 3.3 million and the state’s 65.0 percent labor force participation rate remains above the national rate of 62.8 percent.
“While Indiana’s low unemployment rate is a positive economic indicator, it has also created a challenge for Hoosier businesses to find skilled workers, particularly in fields like information technology and advanced manufacturing,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). “Fortunately, local WorkOne Career Centers can assist unemployed and underemployed Hoosiers in attaining the in-demand skills required to fill the thousands of good-paying jobs currently available across the state.”
Commissioner Braun also noted that private sector employment increased 3,400 over the month and 26,900 over the year. He added that initial unemployment insurance claims remain at the lowest point in over 30 years.
Employment by Sector
Indiana experienced across the board growth in September, included in the Private Education & Health Services (3,600), Trade, Transportation & Utilities (800) and Leisure & Hospitality (400). Gains were partially offset with losses in the Professional & Business Services (-700), Manufacturing (-600) and Financial Services (-400) sectors.
Midwest Unemployment Rates
EDITOR’S NOTES:
Data are sourced from September Current Employment Statistics, Local Area Unemployment Statistics – U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
October employment data for Indiana Counties, Cities, and MSA’s will be available Monday, November 21, 2016 at 12 p.m. pending U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics validation.
