Indiana’s unemployment rate in December stands at 3.6%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for December stands at 3.7%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 63.2% for December, remaining above the national rate of 62.5%. 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 3,420,262 – a decrease of 2,989 from the previous month.

Marshall County’s unemployment rate for December 2023 is 2.6% ranking the county 46th of the 92 counties in Indiana.  A year ago Marshall County had an unemployment rate of 2.6% and in 2021 it was only 0.9%. In 2020 the unemployment rate in the county was 3.4%. 

Looking at the counties surrounding Marshall you will find almost all of them in the top 15.  Starke County has an unemployment rate of 3.8% ranking them 5th of the 92 counties.  LaPorte County comes in at 7th on the list with a rate of 3.6% while Fulton County is 10th with a rate of 3.3%.   Saint Joseph County isn’t far behind at 13th on the list of counties with a rate of 3.3 and Elkhart County is 15th with a rate of 3.2%. 

Kosciusko County has an unemployment rate of 2.9% and is ranked 29th while Marshall County is 46th with a rate of 2.6%.  Pulaski County is 89th on the list of counties with a rate of 2.1%.

Looking at the highest and lowest rates in the state, Howard County has the honor of being number 1 on the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 6.4% while Daviess County is 92nd with a rate of 1.9%. 

“As core inflation abates and the economy normalizes, Indiana remains in a strong economic position,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “Private employment grew throughout the year and the Department of Workforce Development continues to partner with employers and our regional offices in connecting talent to jobs and providing necessary training to meet the state’s employment needs.”

Private sector employment in Indiana decreased by 200 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 45,400 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s December private employment stands at 2,858,500.

Industries that experienced job increases in December included:

  • Professional and Business Services (+600);
  • Private Educational and Health Services (+400); and
  • Manufacturing (+300).

As of Jan. 16, 2024, there were 99,220 open job postings throughout the state. In December, 16,206 unemployment insurance claims were filed in Indiana.

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