Indiana’s unemployment rate in July stands at 2.6%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate in July fell to 3.5%, compared to 3.6% in June.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate rose again, from 63.1% in June to 63.3% in July, remaining above the national rate of 62.1%. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,393,968 — an increase of 15,331 from the previous month. This is the highest level since December 2019.

Marshall County had a July unemployment rate of 2.9% ranking us 69th of the 92 counties in Indiana.  The county’s June rate was 2.6% and in May 2.1%.  Looking further back over the last few years the July Unemployment rates have been 3.1% in 2021, 6.9% in 2020, 3.4% in 2019, and 3.2% in 2018.

Looking at the counties surrounding Marshall you will find LaPorte County at number 4 on the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 4.3%, a slight increase from the 4.0% in June, and a full point from the May rate of 3.2%.   Starke County moved up to 7th on the list of counties with a rate of 4.2%.  In June they were 11th on the list of counties with a rate of 3.7%.  St. Joseph County moved up to 15th with a rate of 3.9%, Last month they were 18th with a rate of 3.5%.  Last month they were at 2.7%.  Fulton County dropped to 41st with a rate of 3.2%.  In June they were 35th with a rate of 3.1%.   Pulaski County is 59th on the list of counties with an unemployment rate of 3.0.  In June they were 61st with a rate of 2.7%.  Wrapping up the counties surrounding Marshall you will find Kosciusko County at number 68 with a rate of 2.9%. In June they were 79th with a rate of 2.5%.  Rounding out the list of counties is Elkhart which is 78th of the 92 counties with a rate of 2.7%.  Last month they were 86th with a rate of 2.7% and in May their rate was 1.8%.    Howard County has the highest unemployment rate at 5.7% and Boon County has the lowest at 2.4%.

“Hoosiers’ participation rate in the labor force continues to climb, and there remains a wide range of opportunities for individuals looking to resume their careers or begin their search for their next one,” said DWD Interim Commissioner Josh Richardson. “Job openings remain high, and employers are ready to add new, ready-to-learn workers and provide the necessary training to get them on their team.”

Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 2,900 jobs over the last month, translating to a gain of 77,000 jobs from this time last year. Indiana once again is experiencing a peak in private employment, which now stands at 2,767,300. Industries that experienced job increases in July included:

· Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (+4,500);

· Private Educational and Health Services (+2,500); and

· Financial Activities (+300).

As of last month, there were more than 150,000 open job postings throughout the state. The number of people in Indiana that received unemployment benefits during July was 15,366.

Individuals looking for work, training, or career advice are encouraged to visit NextLevelJobs.org.