Jay ranks tied for 34th-highest

A slight increase in the local unemployment rate shifted Jay County in the state rankings.

According to estimates Indiana Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday, Jay County had an unemployment rate of 3.3% in November. That tied the county for the 34th-highest rate in the state.

The local unemployment rate went up by 0.2 percentage points from October. It was up 0.6 percentage points from November 2022.

The slight increase shifted Jay County into a tie for the 34th-highest rate in the state along with Randolph, Allen, Henry, Wabash, Dearborn, Jennings, Marshall, Switzerland and Vanderburgh counties. Jay County was tied for the 42nd-lowest rate among Indiana’s 92 counties in October.

Indiana’s unemployment rate went up by 0.1 percentage points from October at 3.4%

“Indiana's employment data for November shows the state remains in a strong position,” said Indiana Department of Workforce Development commissioner Richard Paulk in a press release. “Private employment has set state records for two consecutive months which shows employers still have hiring needs and more individuals are landing new jobs.

“Whether it's job creation, talent acquisition or upskilling the labor force, Indiana is home to unprecedented opportunity for workers and employers.”

Gibson and Daviess counties were tied for the lowest rate in the state at 2.5%. Dubois County was next at 2.6%.

Howard County had by far the highest unemployment rate in Indiana at 6.6%. It took over that spot from Lake County, which was second at 5%. 

Eighty-seven of the state’s counties had unemployment rates of 4% or lower.

Area rates are as follows: 

Adams County: 2.9%, up 0.1 percentage points, tied for 15th-lowest

Blackford County: 4%, down 0.3 percentage points, tied for sixth-highest

Delaware County: 4%, up 0.3 percentage points, tied for sixth-highest

Jay County: 3.3%, up 0.2 percentage points, tied for 34th-highest

Randolph County: 3.3%, down 0.3 percentage points, tied for 34th-highest

Wells County: 2.8%, no change, tied for ninth-lowest