Unemployment ticks up for May

INDIANAPOLIS (Inside INdiana Business) — Indiana’s unemployment rate increased to 4% in May, up from 3.9% the previous month. The Indiana Department of Workforce Development says the state lost 2,700 private sector jobs, primarily in the manufacturing and trade, transportation and utilities sectors.

The state’s unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate, which dropped three-tenths of a percent to 5.8%. 

Figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show Indiana’s labor force saw a net increase of 6,370 over the previous month. The state’s total labor force, which includes Hoosiers who are either employed or seeking employment, stands at 3.3 million for May.

Despite the slight increase, Indiana’s unemployment rate remains the lowest among surrounding states. Only Wisconsin has lower unemployment in the Midwest at 3.9%.