INDIANAPOLIS (June 25, 2019) – The number of unemployment claims filed by Hoosiers in May fell sharply from the previous month and is at its lowest level so far in 2019, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD).
Unemployment claims last month dropped to 14,296 from 17,914 in April, representing a 20% decline. Since unemployment filings hit a high this year in February (23,992), the amount has fallen 40%.
“Unemployment claims typically fall as seasonal hiring increases during the spring and summer months, but the smaller amount of claims in May is especially positive, as overall unemployment in Indiana continues to remain low,” said Fran Valentine, DWD’s Senior Director of Research, Analysis & Engagement.
DWD recently reported that the state’s unemployment rate in May remained unchanged from the previous month, at 3.6%, and stands even with the national rate. Year-over-year, Indiana’s unemployment rate has essentially remained flat, increasing by just 0.1 percentage point.
Indiana’s jobless rate has decreased 7 percentage points since July 2009—the high point of unemployment in Indiana.
Total private employment stands at 2,742,100, which is 10,000 above the December 2018 peak. Indiana’s 65% labor force participation rate remains above the national rate of 62.8%. The state’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3.4 million.
