Indiana Unemployment Rate Falls in December

Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at 10:31 AM

By Indiana Department of Workforce Development, news release

Indiana's unemployment rate remains below the national rate of 4.4 percent.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS - The unemployment rate of the State of Indiana in December was recorded to be 3.5 percnet, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.

By comparison, the national unemployment rate reported for December was 4.4 percent

In addition, Indiana’s labor force participation rate is 63.6 percent compared to the national rate of 62.4 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 3,495,276.

December 2025 total private employment is 2,849,500 a decrease of 5,800 since September. 

Industries that experienced job increases this month included:

  • Financial Activities (+800)
  • All Other (+400)

As of December 31, 2025, there were 83,797 open job postings throughout the state. As of the week ending on January 3, 2026, Indiana had 25,414 continued unemployment insurance claims filed.

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

More from Local News

Events

Tractor Trailer Accident Impacting NKY Traffic

The accident happened in the Erlanger area.

Congresswoman Houchin Announces 2026 Congressional Art Competition

The Congressional Art Competition is open to all high school students in Indiana’s Ninth District.

Windy Conditions Expected Friday

Wind gusts of 50 mph are possible.

IBCA Announces Academic All-State Teams

Individual and team recognition.

Former East Central Star Named NE10 Championship Most Outstanding Player

Hope Fox and the Southern Connecticut State Owls are a No. 1 seed heading into the DII Tourney.

SEI Hoops Stars Earn HBCA All-District Honors

Senior All-District players will be on the ballot for the All-Star Game in April.

On Air

Eagle Country 99.3 playing
Thomas Rhett - Remember You Young

Randy Travis 1982 13:29
Kenny Chesney Don't Happen Twice 13:26
Brantley Gilbert Hard Days 13:23
Montgomery Gentry Speed 13:20