(INDIANAPOLIS) – Indiana's jobless rate dropped during the month of December.

According to data released by the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, the State's jobless rate dropped from 5.1 percent in November to 4.3 percent in December.

Indiana's labor force had a net increase of 83,609 over the previous month. This was a result of a decrease of 23,902 unemployed residents and an increase of 107,512 employed residents. Indiana's total labor force, which includes both Hoosiers employed and those seeking employment, stands at 3.39 million.

Private sector employment has decreased by 69,900 over the year and increased by 17,400 over the previous month. The monthly increase is primarily due to gains in the Trade, Transportation and Utilities (8,400) and the Professional and Business Services (5,800) sectors. Gains were offset by losses in the Leisure and Hospitality (-1,100) and the Private Education and Health Services (-200) sectors.

Total private employment stands at 2,663,600, which is 85,700 below the January 2019 peak.