Unemployment remains low

Unemployment remained historically low locally and throughout the state as rates were essentially unchanged from April.

Jay County’s unemployment rate ticked up just 0.1 percentage points in May, coming in at 2.8 percent according to estimates Indiana Department of Workforce Development released Monday.

Meanwhile, Adams County climbed to the top of the list with its unemployment rate of 2 percent. It tied with Dubois and LaGrange counties for the lowest rate in the state.

Jay and Adams were two of 64 counties in the state to come in below 3 percent. It was the second straight month below 3 percent for both counties, as Jay County’s rate of 2.7 percent in April was the lowest since it hit 2.5 percent in October 2000.

Jay County’s rate in May was a full 1.5 percentage points lower than at the same time in 2016.

Most counties saw rates stay essentially the same as Indiana’s number moved up to 2.8 percent from 2.7 percent in April.

“Indiana continues to see its unemployment rate remain at levels not seen for nearly two decades,” said Steven J. Braun, workforce development commissioner. “The state's strong economy and the growing workforce needs of businesses are the main drivers of this.”

Trailing Adams, Dubois and LaGrange counties were Daviess and Elkhart counties at 2.1 percent. Wells County was tied for sixth at 2.2 percent.

Vermillion County posted the highest rate in the state at 4.2 percent. Fayette and Lake counties were next at 4 percent.

Area rates are as follows:

Adams County: 2 percent, no change, tie lowest.

Blackford County: 3.2 percent, down 0.1 percentage points, t-12th highest.

Delaware County: 3.4 percent, up 0.2 percentage points, ninth highest.

Jay County: 2.8 percent, down 0.1 percentage points, t-39th highest.

Randolph County: 3.1 percent, no change, t-18th highest.

Wells County: 2.2 percent, no change, t-sixth lowest.