Indiana Jobs Rate Slightly Down At 5.8 Percent

INDIANAPOLIS – The jobless rate in Indiana remained steady in August dropping to 5.8 percent, according to a newly released report from the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

The unemployment rate in July was one-tenth of a percentage point higher at 5.9 percent.

Despite the decrease in unemployment, Indiana’s private sector shed 2,600 jobs in August, led primarily by the Private, Educational & Health Services sector, which declined by 4,100 over the month.

Losses were somewhat offset by a growth of 900 jobs in the Manufacturing sector, which has added more than 20,000 jobs over the past year.

“Indiana’s unemployment rate has decreased 1.7 percent over the past year, while the labor force has expanded by more than 51,000 workers, which is quite remarkable,” said Scott B. Sanders, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

“During the same period, the Hoosier State has also added more than 56,000 private sector jobs. Together, these figures stand in stark contrast to our Midwestern neighbors.”

Indiana remains the leading state in the nation in manufacturing job growth over the past year and is ranked second overall in the most manufacturing jobs since 2009.