INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana’s unemployment rate dropped to 2.2% in March from 2.3% in February, marking the sixth consecutive month it has been below 3%, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD). The national unemployment rate, by comparison, decreased to 3.6% in March from 3.8% in February.
In addition, the state’s labor force participation rate rose from 62.1% in February to 62.4% in March, matching the national rate. Indiana’s total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3,332,239, an increase of 16,304 from the previous month.
“The latest employment data continues to show a positive trend with Indiana’s labor force,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “This is a great time for those out of the labor force to take advantage of the open job opportunities that could lead to economic mobility.”
Private sector employment in Indiana increased by 7,300 jobs over the last month, resulting in a gain of 101,500 jobs from this time last year. Total private employment now stands at 2,753,900.