Unemployment remained steady in the State of Indiana in October while showing marginal local fluctuations both up and down in Northwest Indiana.

According to a statement released on Friday by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD), the preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 9.8 percent in October, compared to 0.7 percent in September, a statistically insignificant increase of 0.1 percent. The national unemployment rate rose by 0.4 percent in October to 10.2 percent.

“Indiana’s unemployment rate has held relatively steady for the past three months despite a steadily climbing national rate,” DWD Commissioner Teresa Voors said. “However, a projected soft holiday retail season combined with a slump in manufacturing and hospitality employment tempers my optimism concerning the coming months.”

Seasonally-adjusted non-farm employment dropped in Indiana in October by 1,600 jobs. The state reported the largest declines in manufacturing (-5,000), mostly attributed to a slowdown in domestic auto manufacturing following a temporary “Cash for Clunkers” spike, and leisure and hospitality (-5,900). Sectors reporting large job increases included construction (4,000), professional and business services (2,200), and financial activities (2,200).

Indiana continues to report the lowest unemployment rate of its neighboring states. Illinois’ increased by 0.5 percent to 11.0 percent; Ohio’s increased by 0.4 percent to 10.5 percent; Kentucky’s increased by 0.3 percent to 11.2 percent; and Michigan’s decreased by 0.2 percent to 15.1 percent.

In Porter County, meanwhile, the pre-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in October dropped marginally to 8.2 percent from 8.3 percent in September (4.6 percent in October 2008). Across Porter County 6,735 people were looking for work in October, compared to 6,801 in September, a decrease of 0.97 percent (an increase of 74.6 percent since October 2008).

In Lake County the unemployment rate in October rose marginally to 9.6 percent from 9.5 percent in September (6.2 percent in October 2008). In LaPorte County the unemployment rate in October similarly rose by 0.1 percent, to 10.9 percent from 10.8 percent in September (6.2 percent in October 2008).

In Chesterton, on the other hand, the unemployment rate in October fell by more 0.5 percent, to 7.9 percent from 8.7 percent in September (4.1 percent in October 2008). A total of 524 people was looking for work in October, compared to 584 in September, a decrease of 10.3 percent (an increase of 87.1 percent since October 2008).

Data for the towns of Porter and Burns Harbor were not available.

In Valparaiso the unemployment rate in October increased to 7.5 percent from 7.1 percent in September (4.6 percent in October 2008). A total of 1,145 people was looking for work in October, compared to 1,070 in September, an increase of 7 percent (an increase of 57.3 percent since October 2008).

In Portage the unemployment rate in October dipped to 9.3 percent from 9.6 percent in September (5.7 percent in October 2008). A total of 1,669 people was looking for work in October, compared to 1,727 in September, a decrease of 3.35 percent (an increase of 57.5 percent since October 2008).

Unemployment elsewhere:

•In Gary the rate rose in October to 11.7 percent from 11.4 percent in September (7.9 percent in October 2008).

•In East Chicago the rate dropped in October to 12.0 percent from 12.5 percent in September (9.6 percent in October 2008).

•In Hammond the rate rose in October to 10.8 percent from 10.7 percent in September (7.5 percent in October 2008).

•In Michigan City the rate rose in October to 11.4 percent from 11.0 percent in September (7.3 percent in October 2008).

•In LaPorte the rate rose in October to 11.9 percent from 11.5 percent in September (6.6 percent in October 2008).

The official national unemployment rate in October increased to 10.2 percent from 9.8 percent in September.

But—according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)—if “discouraged workers,” “all other marginally attached workers,” and “total employed part-time for economic reasons” are included in the tally, the unofficial national unemployment rate in October increased to 17.5 percent from 17 percent in September.

“Marginally attached workers” are those “who indicate that they want a job, have looked for work in the last 12 months (or since they last worked if they worked within the last 12 months), and are available for work.”

“Discouraged workers” are a subset of marginally attached workers and are not currently looking for work for several reasons, including their belief that no job is available for them in their line of work or area.

“Persons employed part-time for economic reasons” are those “who want and are available for full-time work but have had to settle for a part-time schedule.”

Posted 11/23/2009