The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in January stands at 3.5%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate for January stands at 3.7%.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate stands at 63.0% for January, 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 3,398,047 – a decrease of 10,628 from the previous month.

Looking at the unemployment figures for Marshall County you find Marshall County 41st on the list of 92 counties in the state.  Our unemployment rate for January is 3.9%.  Looking back over the last few years, in 2023 the county was ranked 18th with an unemployment rate of 3.9%.  In 2022 Marshall County’s unemployment rate was 1.9% ranking us 67th and the year before, 2021 we were 56th with a rate of 3.8%.

Taking a quick look at the counties surrounding Marshall you will find Starke County 4th on the list of counties with a rate of 5.1%.  Following up closely behind Starke is LaPorte County who is 6th on the list with a rate of 5.0%.  Fulton County isn’t too far down the list at 9th with an unemployment rate of 4.6%.  You then drop down to 23rd with St. Joseph County which has a rate of 4.3% and Elkhart County is 29th of the 92 counties in the state with an unemployment rate of 4.1%. 

While Marshall County has an unemployment rate of 3.9% and we are ranked 41st, Kosciusko County is 40th with that same 3.9% rate.  Rounding out the counties surrounding Marshall is Pulaski who is 73rd on the list with an unemployment rate of 3.3%. 

Looking at the highest unemployment rate in Indiana, you will find Lake County at the top of the list with a rate of 5.7%.  Gibson County is the 92nd county on the list with an unemployment rate of 2.8%.   

“Indiana has carried the momentum from a strong economy in 2023 into 2024,” said DWD Commissioner Richard Paulk. “The unemployment rate of 3.5% remains near historic lows and remains below the national average. Additionally, Indiana has again set a new peak for private sector employment.”

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 10,500 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 42,000 jobs from this time last year. Indiana’s January private employment stands at 2,845,300.

Industries that experienced job increases in January included:

  • Construction (+2,700);
  • Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+2,700); and
  • Private Educational and Health Services (+1,900).

As of March 4, 2024, there were 98,653 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on Feb. 24, 2024, Indiana had 26,379 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

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