The preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in Indiana showed no change in January, according to a statement released Wednesday by the Department of Workforce Development (DWD).

Joblessness remained at 9.7 percent in January, the same as in December 2009, and the state rate matched the national rate of 9.7 percent.

“Similar to the rest of the nation, Indiana isn’t seeing much change right now, DWD Commissioner Teresa Voors said. “Indiana’s unemployment rate appears to be holding relatively stable based on the slowing of job losses.”

Seasonally-adjusted total non-farm employment declined by 2,000 in January, with significant losses in private education and health service (-5,700), leisure and hospitality (-2,600), and construction (-2,200).

Gains were reported in manufacturing (+3,900), financial activities (+600), and professional and business services (+600).

Indiana continues to report the lowest unemployment rate among its neighbors. Ohio’s rate remained unchanged in January at 10.8 percent. Illinois’ increased by 0.3 percent to 11.3 percent. Kentucky’s increased by 0.1 percent to 10.7 percent. Michigan’s dipped by 0.3 percent to 14.3 percent.

The pre-seasonally-adjusted rates for Northwest Indiana, however, show increased joblessness across the board in January.

In Porter County the unemployment rate in January jumped to 9.9 percent from 9.0 percent in December (9.2 percent in January 2009). Across Porter County 7,960 people were looking for work in January, compared to 7,253 in December, an increase of 9.75 percent (2.4 since January 2009).

In Lake County the unemployment rate in January rose a full point to 11.3 percent from 10.3 percent in December (10.0 percent in January 2009). In LaPorte County the rate in January also rose a point to 12.8 percent from 11.8 percent in December (11.1 percent in January 2009).

In Chesterton the unemployment rate in January spiked, by nearly a point and a half, to 10.0 percent from 8.7 percent in December (9.0 percent in January 2009). A total of 650 people was looking for work in January, compared to 570 in December, an increase of 14.03 percent (an increase of 5.7 percent since January 2009).

In Valparaiso the unemployment rate in January rose more modestly to 9.0 percent from 8.4 percent in December (8.0 percent in January 2009). A total of 1,351 people was looking for work in January, compared to 1,246 in December, an increase of 8.42 percent (7.6 percent since January 2009).

In Portage the unemployment rate in January increased to 11.1 percent from 10.5 percent in December (10.7 percent in January 2009). A total of 1,964 people was looking for work in January, compared to 1,884 in December, an increase of 4.24 percent (a decline of 1.5 percent since January 2009).

Unemployment elsewhere in January:

•In Gary the rate increased to 12.0 percent from 11.5 percent in December (10.7 percent in January 2009).

•In East Chicago the rate increased to 14.1 percent from 12.8 percent in December (13.4 percent in January 2009).

•In Hammond the rate increased to 12.4 percent from 11.6 percent in December (12.0 percent in January 2009).

•In Michigan City the rate increased to 13.0 percent from 12.4 percent in December (11.3 percent in January 2009).

•In LaPorte the rate increased to 13.0 percent from 11.9 percent in December (11.7 percent in January 2009).

The official national unemployment rate in February—released ahead of state and local rates—remained steady at 9.7 percent, the same as in January.

But—according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—if “discouraged workers,” “all other marginally attached workers,” and “total unemployed part-time for economic reasons” are included in the tally, the unofficial national unemployment rate in February was 16.8 percent, up from 16.5 percent in January.

“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 who are not currently looking for work for several reason, including their belief that no job is available for them in their line of work or in their area.

“Persons unemployed 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 3/11/2010