Indiana Unemployment Rate Goes Down in January, Local Rates Go Up

Indiana's unemployment rate remains lower than the national rate.

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INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana's unemployment rate saw a slight decrease in January. 

According to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the state's jobless rate was recorded to be 3.4 percent in January, down from 3.5 percent in December. 

By comparison, the national rate reported for January was 4.3 percent. 

Local unemployment rates for January are listed below: 

• Dearborn County: 3.0 percent, up from 2.5 percent in December
• Franklin County: 2.9 percent, up from 2.4 percent in December
• Ohio County: 2.9 percent, up from 2.4 percent in December
• Ripley County: 2.9 percent, up from 2.4 percent in December
• Switzerland County: 3.6 percent, up from 3.1 percent in December

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63.5 percent compared to the national rate of 62.5 percent. This rate is the percentage of Hoosiers 16 and older that 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 3,503,632.

As of January 31, 2026, there were 85,672 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on February 7, 2026, Indiana had 27,470 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

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