Overall unemployment rate moved down to 4.7% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 400 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Lake Charles, LA market rose by 1,977 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 80 bps to 4.7%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Lake Charles, LA unemployment rate is 14 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 790 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 1.9% and are equal compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Lake Charles, LA Unemployment September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.4% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 15,200; +300
  • Government: 13,800; +400
  • Construction, Mining: 13,700; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 11,800; -200
  • Manufacturing: 10,200; -200
  • Business Services: 8,700; no change
Lake Charles, LA Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.