Unemployment remains flat in February

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Indiana’s unemployment rate in February remained flat at 3.1%. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says the state added 3,900 private sector jobs over the previous month. 

The state’s unemployment numbers are from before the COVID-19 pandemic began affecting businesses and jobs in Indiana.

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show Indiana’s labor force saw a net increase of more than 3,100 over the previous month. The state’s total labor force, which includes Hoosiers who are either employed or seeking employment, stands at nearly 3.4 million for February.

The DWD says the monthly increase in jobs in February was mainly due to gains in the Private Educational & Health Services and the Construction sectors. Those gains were partially offset by losses in the Trade, Transportation and Utilities, and Professional and Business Services sectors.

Indiana’s unemployment rate is lower than the national rate of 3.5%, which is a slight decrease compared to January. Indiana is tied with Minnesota for the lowest unemployment rate in the Midwest.