Indiana’s unemployment rate fell from 3.0% in November to 2.7% in December—a record low for the state dating back to 1976, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
The state reported private sector employment jumped by 10,900 when compared to November and has increased for six of the past seven months. This translates to a gain of 82,400 jobs year-over-year.
The state saw job gains in construction (+3,000); leisure and hospitality (2,300); professional and business services (2,000); private education and health services (1,900); and trade, transportation and utilities (1,600).
Total private employment in December totaled 2,705,500, which is 35,000 below the December 2019 peak of 2,740,500, the state said.
“With a 2.7% unemployment rate and more than 150,000 job postings statewide, there are now more employment and economic opportunities available than there have been in several decades,” said Fred Payne, DWD commissioner. “We will continue to offer Hoosier job seekers the proper skills training to secure the job of their choice, and Hoosier employers the tools to find workers to fit their needs.”
The U.S. unemployment rate dropped from 4.2% in November to 3.9% in December.
Indiana’s labor force had a net decrease of 8,774 in December when compared to November. The state credits that to an increase of 3,836 employed residents and a decrease of 12,610 unemployed residents.
Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stood at 3.31 million in December. The state’s labor force participation rate of 62.4% remains above the national rate of 61.9%.
