Indiana Unemployment Dips to 3.3% in February Amid Job Gains

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana's unemployment rate dropped to 3.3% in February 2026, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, marking an improvement from January's 3.4% figure. The rate remains well below the national average of 4.4%, underscoring the state's competitive edge in a challenging job market. Officials reported Indiana's labor force participation rate holding strong above the U.S. average, with more than 85,000 job postings statewide as of late January.

Private sector employment grew steadily into the year, building on December 2025 gains when the state added jobs amid 83,797 open positions. Key sectors fueling growth included professional and business services, construction, private educational and health services, and trade, transportation and utilities — critical to Indiana's logistics powerhouse around Indianapolis and Evansville. By late February, localized data showed rates as low as 3.1% in some counties, with Grant County's 3.9% highlighting regional variations.

The February report, released April 22, reflects seasonally adjusted figures amid national revisions tied to population controls and prior federal disruptions. Indiana's total labor force exceeded 3.5 million, with continued claims at around 27,000, signaling robust demand. As Hoosiers in manufacturing centers like Elkhart and Fort Wayne benefit, the DWD urges job seekers to visit in.gov/dwd for opportunities.