Indiana Employment and Education

Unemployment rates in the state came in at 5.4% in 2005, rates are rising a little in 2006 (currently at 5.7%). Still, the state has a robust economy and many new job opportunities. In 2003 and 2004, over 46,000 new jobs were produced. The median family income in Indiana is $65,009.

Agriculture is a main industry in the state. Indiana’s main crops are corn and soybeans, and tomato, spearmint, peppermint, and cantaloupe farms are also found here. Indiana also has one of the largest top-quality limestone quarries found anywhere and more than 100 native species of trees. Science and manufacturing industries are also main contributors to Indiana’s economy. The state is home to Eli Lilly and Company, Biomet, Cook Group, Inc. and Zimmer. Indiana is home to many factories producing products such as recreational vehicles, mobile homes, compact discs, motors and generators, caskets, musical instruments, appliances, furniture and elevators. The state’s motto is “cross roads of America.” Indiana has more miles of interstate highway per square mile than any other state in the nation. The second largest FedEx hub in the U.S. is in Indianapolis.

Indiana Education

Indiana has 2,005 schools and they spend $8,492 on each student yearly. The graduation rate was at 82.1% in 2000, raised from 75.6% in 1990. NAEP scores that students in 4th and 8th grade tested higher than national average rates in all subjects (reading, writing, math and science). Some of the most impressive scores were in writing and mathematic sections. Fourth grade students tested at basic or above levels in math 84% of the time in 2005, and in writing 88% was proficient at or above basic levels in 2002.

Indiana is also known for some of the best college universities in the U.S. Indians has the #1 rated Research Park in the country at Purdue and Rose-Hulman is the nation’s top Master’s level engineering school. It is also home the popular University of Notre Dame.