Indiana's October unemployment rate decreases to 4.4 percent

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - Indiana's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has decreased slightly to 4.4 percent in October from September.

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development notes Friday that's below September's rate of 4.5 percent and below the national average of 4.9 percent.

Indiana's labor force, which includes workers and those seeking employment, has increased by more than 83,000 over the last year. The state's total labor force stands at more than 3.3 million.

Steven J. Braun, commissioner of the Indiana Department of Workforce Development, said in a statement about the numbers that private sector employment increased 3,400 from September. He says initial unemployment insurance claims are at the lowest point in more than 30 years.