Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,700 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN market declined by 56 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 3.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN unemployment rate is 169 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 310 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 4.1% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.6% . Key sectors include:

  • Government: 23,600; +1,700
  • Manufacturing: 19,500; no change
  • Transportation & Utilities: 14,800; +100
  • Education & Healthcare: 13,700; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 10,100; +100
  • Business Services: 7,000; -100
  • Other Jobs: 4,400; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 3,900; -200
  • Financial Services: 3,100; no change
  • IT & Development: 600; no change
Lafayette-West Lafayette, IN Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.