Indiana’s unemployment rate in September stands at 3.6%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for September stands at 3.8%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate sat at 63.4% for September, remaining above the national rate of 62.8%. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older who 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 3,426,114 – a decrease of 3,237 from the previous month.

Looking at Marshall County, you will find us 40th on the list of the 92 counties in the state with an unemployment rate of 3.2%.  Marshall County was ranked 27th in the state with an unemployment rate of 3.8% in August and 19th in July with an unemployment rate of 4.3%.

Taking a look at the counties surrounding Marshall, you’ll find LaPorte County at number 5 on the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 3.9%.  In August they were 9th with a rate of 4.4.   Saint Joseph County follows right behind LaPorte at number 5 with the same 3.9% rate.  They were 5th in August with a rate of 4.6.  Elkhart County follows up at 9th on the list with a rate of 3.8%.  Last month they were 8th with a rate of 4.4%.

Starke County is 13th in the state with an unemployment rate of 3.7.  In August they were 10th with a rate of 4.4%. Kosciusko County dropped down to 31st on the list with an unemployment rate of 3.3 for September.  In August they were 25th and tied with Marshall County with a rate of 3.8%.  Fulton County moved up the list from 41st in August with a rate of 3.5% to 38th in September with a rate of 3.2%. Pulaski County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the region.  They are ranked 90th with a rate of 2.5%.  Their August rate was 3.0 and they are ranked 79th. 

The September unemployment rankings by counties still show Lake County at the top of the list with an unemployment rate of 4.8, which is an improvement from their August rate of 5.9.  Daviess County is at the bottom of the list for the second month with a rate of 2.3%.  In August their rate was 2.6%.

“Today’s tight labor market is evidence that now is a great time for Hoosiers to find their dream job or get started with training to pursue a new career,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “Despite these labor market trends, there are also avenues for our employers to build and grow the talent they already have, specific to their needs with resources available through our agency or regional workforce offices.”

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 7,300 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 44,200 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s September private employment stands at 2,850,000, which is a new private employment peak. Industries that experienced job increases in September included:

Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+5,600);

Leisure and Hospitality (+3,000);

Financial Activities (+700); and

Manufacturing (+500).

As of Oct. 17, 2023, there were 106,807 open job postings throughout the state. In September, 14,348 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.

Individuals looking for work, training, or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.