Indiana’s unemployment rate in April remained unchanged from the previous month, holding steady at 2.2%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). By comparison, the national unemployment rate in April stood at 3.6%, also remaining stable from March.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate rose again, from 62.4% in March to 62.6% in April, surpassing the national rate of 62.2%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,347,813—an increase of 15,383 from the previous month.

Marshall County’s unemployment rate dropped to 1.6% in April.  The March rate was 2.3% and February was 2.1%.  The county is ranked 82nd of the 92 counties in Indiana.   Looking back over the last few years the April Unemployment rates have been 3.0% in 2021, 18.7% in 2020, 2.8% in 2019, and 2.7% in 2018. 

Taking a quick look at the counties surrounding Marshall you will find LaPorte County at number 4 on the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 3.0% an improvement from their March rate of 3.9%.   Starke County remained 6th on the list with a rate of 2.7% an improvement from the March rate of 3.6%.  St. Joseph County is 23rd with a rate of 2.3% an improvement from their 2.9% last month.  Fulton County is right behind them ranked 27th with a rate of 2.2%.  Their March unemployment rate was 3.0%.  Pulaski County went from a rate of 2.6% last month and ranked 43rd to 2.0% and ranked 39th.  Kosciusko County is 70th with a rate of 1.7% down from the 2.2% in March. Rounding out the area counties is Elkhart with a rate of 1.4% and a ranking of 87th.  Last month in March they were ranked 90th with a rate of 1.8%. 

“We continue to be encouraged by the increasing number of Hoosiers who are re-entering the workforce,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “With unemployment sitting at its lowest point in a generation, it’s a great time to take advantage of the job opportunities that are available.”

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 3,000 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 98,500 jobs from this time last year. Total private employment now stands at 2,751,700. Industries that experienced job increases in April included: • Manufacturing (+1,600)

  • Private Educational & Health Services (+1,100)
  • Financial Activities (+700)
  • Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+300)

Currently, there are 161,513 open job postings throughout the state. The number of people in Indiana that received unemployment benefits during April was 20,917.