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Jobless Rate Increases Slightly In May, But Labor Force Improves

Jobless Rate Increases Slightly In May, But Labor Force Improves
Justin Hicks
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 is a workforce reporter for IPB News based at WVPE in Elkhart. He comes to Indiana by way of New York. He has a master's degree from the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute at New York University and earned a Bachelor of Music Degree from Appalachian State University where he played trumpet. He first learned about Elkhart, Indiana, because of the stamp on his brass instrument indicating where it was produced. Justin was born and raised in Mt. Olive, North Carolina. He currently lives in South Bend with his dog, Charlotte.
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