Indiana May 2026 Employment Report

Marshall County continued to demonstrate a strong employment picture in May 2026, posting an unemployment rate of 3.0% — well below both the Indiana state average of 3.3% and the national rate of 4.3%, according to data from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The rate places Marshall County 54th among Indiana's 92 counties, meaning the vast majority of the state's counties have higher unemployment.

Among the counties surrounding Marshall, the employment landscape varies considerably. Starke County ranks 4th in the state with an unemployment rate of 3.8%, while St. Joseph County comes in 9th at 3.6%. LaPorte County ranks 19th at 3.4%, followed by Elkhart County at 22nd and Fulton County at 23rd, both at 3.3%.

Kosciusko County mirrors Marshall County's 3.0% rate, ranking just one spot higher at 53rd. Statewide, Pulaski County boasts the lowest unemployment rate in Indiana at just 2.3%, while Howard County carries the highest at 4.8%, ranking first on the list.

Beyond the unemployment rate, Indiana is also outpacing the national average when it comes to workforce participation. Indiana's labor force participation rate stands at 63.2%, compared to the national rate of 61.8%. That figure represents the percentage of Hoosiers age 16 and older who are either employed or actively seeking work. Indiana's total labor force stands at 3,489,693. Those not counted in the labor force include primarily students, retirees, and individuals who are unable to work due to disability or illness, or who are responsible for their family's childcare needs.

Total private employment in Indiana reached 2,843,000 in May 2026 — an increase of 3,800 jobs since April. Several industries drove that growth, led by Construction, which added 1,800 jobs, followed by Leisure & Hospitality with 1,700 new positions, and Professional & Business Services with 1,500. Trade, Transportation & Utilities added 500 jobs, while Manufacturing contributed 200.

As of May 31, 2026, there were 94,059 open job postings across the state, signaling continued demand for workers in a tight labor market. As of the week ending June 6, 2026, Indiana recorded 19,068 continued unemployment insurance claims.

Individuals seeking employment, job training, or career resources are encouraged to visit the Indiana Department of Workforce Development online at in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.