The state's March unemployment rate was 4.1 percent (seasonally adjusted), down slightly from 4.3 percent in February. The March 2024 rate was 3.9 percent. Indiana had 3.34 million employed persons in March in a labor force of 3.46 million people. In February, the state had 3.32 million workers in a labor force of 3.47 million. A year ago, the numbers were 3.28 million of 3.42 million.

The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in March (seasonally adjusted), up fractionally from 4.1 percent in February. A year ago, the national rate was 3.9 percent. In March, the U.S. had 163.4 million employed persons in a labor force of 170.7 million. The previous month those numbers were 162.6 million of 170.1 million. A year earlier, the U.S. had 161.4 million workers in a labor force of 167.96 million.

The unemployment rates for surrounding counties in March were Jasper 4.0 percent, Starke 4.7, Marshall 3.3, Fulton 3.9, Cass 4.1 and White 3.6 (all lower than the previous month).

Howard County (5.7 percent) had the state's highest unemployment rate in March, followed by Lake (5.1 percent), and Starke (4.7 percent) counties. Neighboring Cass, Jasper and Fulton counties were among the 15 counties with highest unemployment. Pulaski County was among six counties at 3.1 percent, ranking them with the state's 24th lowest unemployment rate of the 92 counties. Union County (at 2.4 percent), followed by Daviess County (2.5 percent had the state's lowest unemployment rate in February.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), sub-state level data are not seasonally adjusted due to sample size. For example, over the course of a year, the size of the labor force, employment and unemployment levels, and other measures of labor market undergo fluctuations due to seasonal events including changes in weather, harvests, major holidays, and school schedules. Therefore, for more accurate comparisons, data should be compared to the same month from prior years, not the previous month, as to better account for non-economic factors.

March 2025 Indiana Employment Report

INDIANAPOLIS (April 18) - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in March was recorded to be 4.1 percent, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. By comparison, the national unemployment rate reported for March was 4.2 percent.

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63.7 percent compared to the national rate of 62.5 percent. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older who are either working, or actively looking for work. Those not in the labor force include, primarily, students, retirees and other non-working populations, such as individuals unable to work due to a disability or illness, or adults responsible for their family's childcare needs. Indiana’s total labor force stands at 3,484,094.

March 2025 total private employment is 2,834,600, an increase of 9,200 from the previous month. 

Industries that experienced job increases this month included:

• Manufacturing (+3,000)
• Leisure & Hospitality (+2,500)
• Trade, Transportation & Utilities (+1,600)
• Financial Activities (+1,300)
• Professional & Business Services (+700)
• All Other (+700)
• Construction (+300)

As of April 1, 2025, there were 89,919 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on March 29, 2025, Indiana had 24,235 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

Individuals looking for work, training or career information are encouraged to visit in.gov/dwd/job-seekers.