Howard County highest unemployment in the state

Howard County is at the top of the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 7.9%.

The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in September stood at 4.3%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

By comparison, the national unemployment rate reported for September was 4.1%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63% compared to the national rate of 62.7%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older that 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 3,417,810 and is at its highest on record.

Howard County is at the top of the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 7.9% and Martin County is at the bottom of the list with a rate of 3.2%. 

September 2024 total private employment is 608,300, an increase of 800 from the previous month and above the April 2020 Trough. In September of 2024 Indiana reported 2,872,600 jobs, a new private employment peak.

Industries that experienced job increases in September included:

Private Education & Health Services (+1,200)

Construction (+1,000)

Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+900)

Financial Activities (+600)

Professional and Business Services (+400)

As of September 16, 2024, there were 89,103 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on September 28, 2024, Indiana had 20,383 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.