Economic Growth Region 2
Statistical Data Report for July 2026, Released September 2026
State Employment and Unemployment
Unemployment rates were lower in July in 10 states and stable in 40 states and the District of Columbia, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Twelve states had jobless rate increases from a year earlier, 10 states and the District had decreases, and 28 states had little change. The national unemployment rate, 4.1 percent, changed little both over the month and over the year.
In July, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 1 state, decreased in 1 state, and was essentially unchanged in 48 states and the District of Columbia. The only job gain occurred in Maryland (+11,700, or +0.4 percent). Employment decreased in New Jersey (-25,600, or 0.6 percent).
Over the year, nonfarm payroll employment increased in 6 states, decreased in 1 state and the District, and was essentially unchanged in 43 states. The largest job gains occurred in Texas (+165,600), California (+112,700), and North Carolina (+51,600). The largest percentage increase occurred in Minnesota (+1.4 percent), followed by Louisiana and South Carolina (+1.3 percent each). The job losses occurred in Virginia (-47,900, or -1.1 percent) and the District (-31,500, or -4.2 percent).
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Research & Analysis, Local Area Unemployment Statistics | Unemployment Statistics | Notes: The data displayed are presented as estimates only. The most recent month’s data are always preliminary and are revised when the next month’s data are released
*Midwest region = Midwest Urban Average. Midwest Region includes Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin | Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Research and Analysis
Economic Growth Region (EGR) 2
Elkhart, Fulton, Kosciusko,
Marshall, and St. Joseph Counties
Unemployment Rates by State
(seasonally adjusted):
July 2026
U.S. – 4.1%
Illinois – 4.9%
Indiana – 3.3%
Kentucky – 4.7%
Michigan – 4.9%
Ohio – 3.4%
Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment Rank by County
(of 92 Counties): July 2026
#6 – Elkhart (3.3%)
#8 – St. Joseph (3.6%)
#23 – Fulton (3.3%)
#38 – Kosciusko (3%)
#47 – Marshall (3%)
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Research and Development, Local Area Unemployment Statistics
Unemployment Claims: July 2026
REGION 2
Initial Claims
07/04/26 – 357(D)
07/11/26 – 628(D)
07/18/26 – 829(D)
07/25/26 – 234(D)
Continued Claims
07/04/26 – 1,755
07/11/26 – 2,302
07/18/26 – 1,877
07/25/26 – 1,507
Total Claims
07/04/26 – 2,112
07/11/26 – 2,930
07/18/26 – 2,706
07/25/26 – 1,741
STATE OF INDIANA
Initial Claims
07/04/26 – 2,264
07/11/26 – 4,126
07/18/26 – 3,349
07/25/26 – 2,009
Continued Claims
07/04/26 – 19,177
07/11/26 – 20.998
07/18/26 – 18,701
07/25/26 – 18,092
Total Claims
07/04/26 – 21,441
07/11/26 – 25,124
07/18/26 – 22,050
07/25/26 – 20,101
*Total State of Indiana Claims not released for May.
Notes: (D) Indicates one or more counties are excluded due to non-disclosure issues | Numbers subject to weekly revision |Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Research and Analysis
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, WARN Notices | For information on WARN Act requirements, you may go to the U.S. Department of Labor Employment Training Administration Fact Sheet:
Elkhart-Goshen MSA Trends
Source: Indiana Dept of Workforce Development, Research and Analysis, Current Employment Statistics
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Research & Analysis, Current Employment Statistics | Note: Historical data for the most recent 4 years (both seasonally adjusted and not seasonally adjusted) are revised near the beginning of each calendar year, prior to the release of January estimates for statewide data.
South Bend-Mishawaka MSA Trends
Source: Indiana Dept of Workforce Development, Research and Analysis, Current Employment Statistics
Source: Indiana Department of Workforce Development, Research & Analysis, Current Employment Statistics | Note: Historical data for the most recent 4 years (both seasonally adjusted and not seasonally adjusted) are revised near the beginning of each calendar year, prior to the release of January estimates for statewide data.
Statewide Occupation Trends
Source: Indiana Workforce Development, Indiana Career Connect
Source: Indiana Workforce Development, Indiana Career Connect
County Unemployment Rates
July 2026
Questions?
Please contact the DWD Representative below:
Kathy Jaworski
Regional Labor Analyst
Research and Analysis
Indiana Department of Workforce Development
(219) 841-6347
kjaworski@dwd.in.gov
Disclaimer
All information reported was provided by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. The Indiana Labor Market Review is published monthly and can be obtained by contacting your DWD Representative