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- calendar_today November 2, 2026
The most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights diverse patterns in employment levels and wages across Indiana's counties during the period from March 2025 to March 2026. These figures offer valuable insights into local labor market trends and disparities within the state.
Employment Change Across Counties
According to BLS reports, employment decreased in three out of Indiana's nine largest counties over the year. Marion and Vanderburgh Counties each saw a decline of 0.5% in employment, while Tippecanoe County posted a 0.3% decrease. Conversely, Hamilton County registered the highest employment growth among the large counties at 1.8%, followed by Elkhart (1.2%), Hendricks (1.0%), and Allen (0.4%). Lake County's employment remained unchanged, and St. Joseph County experienced an increase of 0.2%.
Statewide, Indiana's total covered employment dropped by 0.1% to 3,160,700 in March 2026. The nine largest counties, including Marion (which had the highest employment level at approximately 610,000), together accounted for nearly 54% of the state's total covered employment.
Trends in Average Weekly Wages
Wage growth showed considerable variation across the state's largest counties. Over the year, Tippecanoe County led with a 5.9% increase in average weekly wages, followed by Hamilton County at 5.4%. Lake (4.1%), St. Joseph (3.9%), and Hendricks (3.4%) also posted significant gains, while Vanderburgh, Allen, Marion, and Elkhart Counties reported lower growth rates, with Elkhart at the lowest (1.2%).
Among large Indiana counties, Marion County had the highest average weekly wage at $1,789—surpassing the national average of $1,654. The other large counties saw average weekly wages ranging from $1,560 in Hamilton to $1,115 in Hendricks. The statewide average weekly wage rose by 2.7% over the year to $1,356, putting Indiana 30th nationally in wage level and 44th in wage growth rate.
For the 83 smaller counties (those with employment below 75,000 in 2025), wage levels were almost universally below the national average, with Martin County standing out as the highest at $1,889 and Ohio County as the lowest at $780. Of all 92 Indiana counties, 10 recorded average weekly wages below $925, while 21 counties reached $1,225 or higher.
These detailed county-level statistics illustrate notable differences in employment and wage outcomes across Indiana, reflecting regional economic variations that may influence local policy and business strategy.
For more granular county data and additional context, consult the official BLS County Employment and Wages in Indiana release.
