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Jobless Rate Increases Slightly In May, But Labor Force Improves

Indiana’s unemployment rate ticked upwards in May to reach 4%, compared to 3.9% in April. Although the number of unemployed Hoosiers rose, so did the number of people with jobs or looking for work.

The state lost 3,600 jobs  in manufacturing – but saw an increase in government, leisure and hospitality jobs.

Many of the state’s urban counties still have higher unemployment rates than the statewide rate. Counties containing Gary, Kokomo and Michigan City have well above 6% unemployment. 

Indiana’s number of employed workers and labor force participation are still below pre-pandemic levels.  Meanwhile, national unemployment stands at 5.8% -- well above the state’s rate.

Contact reporter Justin at  jhicks@wvpe.org or follow him on Twitter at @Hicks_JustinM.

Join the conversation and sign up for the Indiana Two-Way. Text "Indiana" to 73224. Your comments and questions in response to our weekly text help us find the answers you need on statewide issues.

Justin Hicks covers statewide workforce development and employment issues. Before moving to Indiana, Justin was a freelance journalist and audio producer in New York City covering a variety of topics from crime to classical music. Justin is a graduate of New York University's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute and Appalachian State University.