Indiana's unemployment rate continued to be lower than the national rate in September, with a labor force of 3.34 million workers.
The state's rate stands at 3.8 percent while the national rate is 4.2 percent, according to the state's Department of Workforce Development report.
With the exception of one month, when it was equal in October 2015, Indiana's unemployment rate has been below the U.S. rate for four years.
Indiana's labor force had a net increase of 6,105 over the last month, which stemmed from 9,688 more people seeking employment, and a 3,583 decrease in the number of employed workers.
When looking at the state's employment rate by sectors of work, the department reports significant growth in certain areas. Private sector employment increased by 8,200 workers over the past month, due to gains in areas including trade, transportation and utilities, as well as leisure and hospitality, according to the report.
When looking at private sector employment trends since 2009, there has been a steady uptick in growth in Indiana, surpassing the U.S.'s average, according to the report. Indiana's growth rate is now at 15.9 percent.
An estimated 126,395 people are currently unemployed and seeking employment in the state. The current labor force is at 3,342,602, and the number of employed people in Indiana is at 3,216,207.
Katelyn Haas
