INDIANAPOLIS (September 18, 2015) – Indiana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined again in August by 0.1 percent to 4.6 percent. Last month marked the lowest rate of unemployment in the Hoosier State since August of 2007. Additionally, Indiana’s labor force increased by 5,629 individuals last month and has experienced a growth of nearly 83,000 since January 2013, which continues to be a Midwest leader. The Hoosier labor force participation rate also increased in August to 63.6 percent and remains a full percentage point above the national average.
As of August, private sector employment in the Hoosier State remains above all historic peak levels. Despite another decrease in unemployment rate, Indiana shed 5,500 private sector jobs in August. The decline concentrated mainly in the Professional and Business Services sector (-4,900), while the Manufacturing (+300), and Construction (+1,300) sectors experienced growth. Previously reported June and July private sector jobs numbers were revised upward 10,700 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“Indiana’s unemployment rate continues to decline in conjunction with large consistent increases in the Hoosier labor force, creating a true decrease in unemployment,” said Steven J. Braun, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “This is a positive economic trend that stands in stark contrast to our neighboring states, which have experienced decreases in their respective unemployment rates due in part to stagnant or declining labor forces.”
Braun also noted weekly claims for unemployment insurance in Indiana are at their lowest levels since 1994.
Employment by Sector
Sectors showing gains in August include: Leisure and Hospitality (2,700), Construction (1,300), and Manufacturing (300). The Professional & Business Services (-4,900), Private Educational & Health Services (-900), Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-900), and Financial Activities (-500) sectors declined in August. Total nonfarm employment increased in August (6,700).
Midwest Unemployment Rates
| August 2014 | July 2015 | August 2015 | Monthly Change | |
| Indiana | 5.8% | 4.7% | 4.6% | -0.1% |
| U.S. | 6.1% | 5.3% | 5.1% | -0.2% |
| Illinois | 6.5% | 5.8% | 5.6% | -0.2% |
| Kentucky | 6.0% | 5.2% | 5.2% | 0.0% |
| Michigan | 6.8% | 5.3% | 5.1% | -0.2% |
| Ohio | 5.4% | 5.0% | 4.7% | -0.3% |
