Indiana added 22,700 jobs in April, the largest over-the-month increase in employment since February 1999. However, Hoosiers returning to the Labor Force nudged Indiana’s preliminary seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for April 2010 up 0.1 percent to 10.0 percent. The monthly increase in the unemployment rate is not considered statistically significant.

“Indiana has added 41,800 jobs over the last four months, essentially recouping the jobs lost over the past year,” said Teresa Voors, Commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development. “Indiana has two percent of the country’s population and seven percent of the job growth.”

Unemployment rates by county are available here and here. (.pdfs)

Seasonally-adjusted total non-farm employment in Indiana increased by 22,700 in April. Sectors reporting significant employment increases include: Leisure and Hospitality (8,100), Professional and Business Services (6,500), Manufacturing (5,000), and Trade, Transportation and Utilities (3,500). Sectors reporting significant employment declines include: Private Education and Health Services (-1,800), Construction (-700), and Financial Activities (-500).

Indiana is the only state among its neighbors to report an over-the-year decline in its unemployment rate. The national employment rate increased 1.0% compared to April 2009.