WASHINGTON: Indiana’s unemployment rate remains at its lowest level since the mid-1990s. June’s statewide jobless rate was 3.0 percent, below the national rate of 4.4 percent, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The June rate is also down from 3.2 percent in May of 2017 and 4.5 percent in June of 2016. In the southeastern part of the state, Ohio County led with 2.9 percent unemployment rate. Franklin and Ripley counties’ jobless rates were 2.8 percent. Dearborn and Switzerland counties were at 3.2 and 3.3 percent, respectively.
Indiana’s labor force decreased by 2,427 over the previous month with a 4,088 increase in employment and a 6,515 decrease in unemployment. Indiana’s total labor force continues to stand at more than 3.33 million, and the state’s 64.4 percent labor force participation rate remains above the national rate of 62.8 percent. Steven J. Braun, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, says the department believes the continued low rate is an indication of the state’s ongoing strong economy. “We at the Department of Workforce Development remain focused on assisting Hoosiers who are unemployed or underemployed. I encourage them to visit their local WorkOne Career Centers and utilize the free resources and job assistance programs available to them,” said Braun.
