Marshall County’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 10.6

03/28/11 Indiana’s preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate dropped 0.3 percent, to 8.8 percent in February. This marks the first time since December 2008 the state’s unemployment rate has been less than 9 percent. Indiana’s rate is now just below the national average of 8.9 percent and below that of all neighboring states. Private sector employment in Indiana declined in February, (-1,600). 

“The number of Hoosiers claiming state unemployment insurance benefits is less than half the number it was two years ago,” said Mark W. Everson, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. “Moreover, new claims for unemployment insurance are now at a level not seen since 2006.”

Taking a look at Marshall County you’ll find good news.  For the first time in months the unemployment rate dropped.  In January the county was ranked 26^th with a rate of 11.1.  The February unemployment rate dropped to 10.6 ranking Marshall County 31^st in the state.  (Previous rates: Oct. 10.0, Nov. 10.4, Dec. 10.5)

Counties surrounding Marshall County show Starke County ranked 8^th with a rate of 12.2, Elkhart’s ranking dropped to 15^th with a rate of 11.6, followed by LaPorte at 22^nd with a rate of 11.2, Fulton County is 36^th with a rate of 10.3, while Saint Joseph is 42^nd with a rate of 10.1 and Kosciusko with a ranking of 68^th and a rate of 8.7.     

Sectors showing significant employment gains in February include: Private Education and Health Services (1,300) and Construction (1,200). Sectors showing significant declines are Trade, Transportation and Utilities (-3,200) and Government (-6,300). Total non-farm employment decreased (-7,900) in February.

Midwest Employment Picture