Ind. jobless rate holds at 9.7% in Jan.

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - New jobless numbers out Wednesday provide a better glimpse of how many Hoosiers are out of work and the news isn't all that good.

The jobless rate held at 9.7% for January matching the national average.

In Central Indiana, Marion County has nearly 10% jobless rate. Hamilton County has the least amount of people out of work with just over 7%. Madison County has the highest rate in the metro at 11.7%. Henry County is seeing double digit unemployment. At 13.6%, it is one of the hardest hit counties in Central Indiana.

Click here to see a break down of county unemployment rates

"It's been pretty tough to be honest with you to try to find work. It's getting harder and harder everyday. I'm running out of places to apply for seems like," said New Castle resident John Carmack.

He's been out of work since last May.

News that Indiana's unemployment rate is holding steady at 9.7% for two consecutive months may be a sign of economic recovery because more people are entering the workforce as the economy improves, says Dagney Faulk, research director for Ball State's Center for Business and Economic Research (CBER).

"There have been several reports showing small improvements in the job market nationally, indicating that the economy is slowly turning the corner," Faulk said. "The rate is expected to remain in this range in the coming months as more people enter the labor market in anticipation of improving economic conditions and seasonal jobs."

She notes that Indiana's unemployment rate is lowest of the surrounding states all of which have double-digit unemployment rates. Michigan's unemployment rate decreased a bit but remains the highest in the nation at 14.3%. Illinois and Kentucky both had increases in their unemployment rates.

"The relatively favorable situation in Indiana compared to surrounding states can be attributed in part to the diversification of Indiana's economy, a favorable business climate and the state's relatively sound fiscal environment,” said Faulk.