Job Watch: Indiana Employment Trends
Nonseasonally adjusted employment estimates for December 2004 (see Figure 1) show that Indiana posted an over-the-year (OTY) job gain of 15,500 jobs or 0.5 percent, ranking it 43 out of 50 states and the District of Columbia. Ohio, Illinois and Michigan all posted smaller OTY job gains.
Although the trade, transportation and utility sector comprised the largest share of total employment (19.7 percent), it also had the largest job loss (-2,900 jobs or -0.5 percent). This sector will continue to be negatively impacted in the coming months as ATA sheds more jobs due to its bankruptcy filing and restructuring. The construction, education and health services sectors helped offset this loss with a net gain of 12,400 jobs, or approximately 40 percent of the total nonfarm employment gain. Indiana’s manufacturing sector also saw an increase of 1,300 jobs or 0.2 percent, ranking 20th out of 51.
At 5 percent, the state’s unemployment rate was the 17th highest in the nation. Indiana shared this distinction with three other states: Alabama, Colorado and North Carolina. The District of Columbia had the highest unemployment rate (8.7 percent) and Hawaii had the lowest (2.7 percent).
Figure 1 provides a historical perspective on unemployment rates in the United States, Indiana and neighboring states. Historically, Wisconsin’s rates tend to be lower and Michigan’s rates tend to be higher than Indiana’s. Additionally, when looking at annual averages, Indiana’s rates have long remained below the nation. The greatest percentage point spread occurs with a strong economy, while the gap closes during difficult economic times. Also interesting to note is that Indiana’s December rate is within 0.4 percentage points of the state’s annual average 87 percent of the time.
Table 1 shows OTY job changes by industry. The employment bases in Indiana and the nation expanded by 1.1 percent, and the state accounted for 2.1 percent of the nation’s growth in jobs. The administrative, support and waste management sector performed best in terms of growth. Nationwide, the manufacturing sector experienced the largest job loss, while Indiana’s biggest industry loss numerically was in the retail trade sector. The Hoosier finance and insurance sector took the biggest hit on a percentage basis, while the information sector took the biggest hit nationwide.
Breakdown by County
Figure 2 looks at the largest percent growth in industries employing more than 100 people over the year (in an attempt to exclude very small industries with large percent swings). The administrative, support and waste management sector was the leading industry in approximately one-fifth of Indiana’s 92 counties. In Ohio County, just one industry had more than 100 jobs, public administration, and that sector actually declined. In fact, the accommodation and food services sector, with 75 jobs, was the only industry in Ohio County that grew.
For more detailed data, visit www.stats.indiana.edu and check out the “Data Tables” section for employment and earnings.
Amber Kostelac
Data Manager, Indiana Business Research Center,
Kelley School of Business, Indiana University