INDIANA, (WOWO): The Hoosier State grew nearly 6,000 manufacturing jobs in September, a 1.2 percent growth over the month, which constituted one of the largest one-month increases in a decade and ranked as one of the largest in the nation. Over the past year, Indiana has consistently led the nation in manufacturing growth with an increase of 25,600 jobs. Since July 2009, the low point of employment in the state of Indiana, has added more than 90,000 manufacturing jobs, which also ranks the Hoosier State in the top five in growth in the United States.

Indiana’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate decreased 0.1 percent to 5.7 percent over the past month. September marks the ninth consecutive month Indiana’s rate has been below the national average. The rate of unemployment in the Hoosier State has now decreased 16 of the last 22 months. Indiana’s decrease of 1.6 percent over the past year signifies one of the largest declines in the nation, and the addition of more than 50,000 individuals to Indiana’s labor force over the past year ranks as one of the largest increases in the U.S.

Despite sizeable gains in the Manufacturing sector in September, losses concentrated mainly in the Leisure and Hospitality, and the Trade, Transportation & Utilities sectors resulted in a decline of 1,900 jobs in the private sector. However, initial and continued claims for unemployment insurance benefits continue to remain at levels not seen since 2000.

Sectors showing gains in September include: Manufacturing (5,900), and Private Educational & Health Services (400). 

Sectors showing declines in September include Leisure and Hospitality (-3,800), 

Trade, Transportation & Utilities (-2,000), 

Professional and Business Services (-1,300), and Construction (-900). 

Total non-farm employment decreased in September (5,600).

Midwest Unemployment Rates