Indiana’s unemployment rate in October stands at 3.6%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for October stands at 3.9%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 63.3% for October, remaining above the national rate of 62.7%. 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 3,421,751 – a decrease of 4,455 from the previous month.

Marshall County’s unemployment rate for October was released on Monday and is 3.2%, ranking the county 37th of the 92 counties in the state.  In September the county was 40th on the list with the same 3.2% rate.  In August the unemployment rate for Marshall County was 3.8% and in July it was 4.3%.  

Looking at the counties surrounding Marshall, you’ll find LaPorte County 6th on the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 3.8% ever so slightly improved from the September rate of 3.9%.   Saint Joseph County dropped from 5th on the list to 9th in October with a rate of 3.7%.  In September their rate was 3.9%.  Starke County is right behind St. Joe County at number 10 with the same 3.7% rate.  In September their rate was 3.7%. 

Elkhart County dropped from 9th on the list of counties to 17th with an October unemployment rate of 3.7.  In September their rate was 3.8%.  Fulton County moved up the list from 38th in September with a rate of 3.2% to 27th in October with a rate of 3.9%. 

Kosciusko County moved up the list of counties slightly from 31st in September to 29th in October with a rate of 3.3%.  Pulaski County continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in the region.  They are ranked 83rd in the state with an unemployment rate of 2.7%.  In September they were 90th with a rate of 2.5%. 

Lake County remains at the top of the list with an unemployment rate of 4.7, a slight improvement from their 4.8% in September.  Gibson County is at the bottom of the list with an unemployment rate of 2.4%. 

“Indiana’s labor market continues to show strength for both workers and employers,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “Though the state set a private employment record, employers still need to fill many more critical jobs. Economic trends are favorable, and we encourage Hoosiers considering re-entering the workforce to take advantage of this worker-friendly economic climate.”

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 3,400 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 47,100 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s October private employment stands at 2,858,300, which is a new private employment peak. Industries that experienced job increases in October included:

  • Construction (+2,500);
  • Private Educational and Health Services (+2,400);
  • Leisure and Hospitality (+1,900);
  • Financial Activities (+1,600); and
  • Trade, Transportation and Utilities (+400).

As of Nov. 16, 2023, there were 105,860 open job postings throughout the state. In October, 14,801 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.

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