In May 2020 both Jackson and Scott Counties had over 17% unemployment due to COVID-19 shutdowns and restrictions.
The May 2021 numbers show employment bouncing back as local manufacturers, retailers and service providers rebound, according to the Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
In May 2020, Scott County had a 17.3% unemployment rate. In May 2021 the county had a workforce of 10,556 workers with 10,042 of them employed for an unemployment rate of 4.9%—the highest in southern Indiana.
For that same period, Jackson County had a 17.5% unemployment rate in May a year ago. The most recent number from the state show Jackson County with a labor force of 23,260 with 22,393 on the job for a May 2021 unemployment rate of 3.7%.
Scott County ranks 13th in the state for unemployment while Jackson County was rated 50th.
For comparison, neighboring Jennings County was 23rd with 4.4%, Lawrence was 29th with 4.1%. Washington County was 47th with 3.8% just a tick above Jackson while Bartholomew County was rated 51st with 3.6%, just a tenth under Jackson County.
Lake County had the highest unemployment rate for May at 8.3% while Adams County had the lowest unemployment for May at 2.5%. As a state, Indiana’s unemployment rate was 4.5% for May 2021.
