March Jobs Report Sends Mixed Signals 

Ohio’s March 2025 Jobs Report

In March, Ohio’s unemployment rate continued to climb to 4.8 percent, up from 4.7 percent. At the same time, the national unemployment rate increased from 4.1 to 4.2 percent. However, the labor force participation rate increased again to 62.6 percent, the highest rate in six months, outpacing the national average of 62.5 percent.

The payroll survey provided better news, with the private sector adding 7,300 new jobs. In addition, the strong job growth in February was revised upwards by 3,000 jobs, meaning that Ohio added 35,000 private-sector jobs in February and March.

The March jobs report is the last report before tariffs and the potential expiration of the Trump tax cuts—leading to uncertainty for businesses. During periods of uncertainty, businesses are less likely to expand, invest, or take on more risk. Despite the job growth Ohio has experienced over the past two months, policymakers need to adopt pro-growth policies that can help Ohio weather future uncertainty. Lawmakers can start doing that by guaranteeing reliable, affordable energy and keeping taxes low.