Indiana building permits declined 1.6% in 2024
Indiana's 1.6% building permit decline equates to 422 fewer units permitted in 2024 than the previous year.
Economic Forecasts
Our center provides 3 distinct economic forecast offerings: the BBKI acts as a monthly barometer of where the economy is and where it might be heading; CEMR produces forecasts for the nation, Indiana and Indiana metropolitan areas; and Futurecast offers annual economic outlook events around the state each fall.
BBKI indicates economic activity below trend in May
The latest release of the Brave-Butters-Kelley Indexes (BBKI) has the coincident indicator at -0.7 for May, an uptick from our estimate for April of -1.0. The increase in the read for May in part reflects increases in the growth of average hourly earnings, a steady unemployment rate, and an increase in manufacturing industrial production.
CEMR U.S. forecast for July improves slightly
New economic data over the past month leave our picture of the economic situation little changed. The policy outlook, on the other hand, seems to be somewhat improved, although still highly uncertain. In this setting, our revised forecast is slightly more optimistic than a month ago.
Data Sites
Our databases power multiple websites that are data rich and full of information to explore.
Publications
Easy-to-read analysis of Indiana’s economy
Substantive, easy-to-read articles about Indiana's workforce and economy published on a bi-monthly basis.
Visit InContext
Bridging the gap: Urban-rural divides in Indiana’s labor force participation
July-August 2025
Counties in the Indianapolis metro area generally have the highest labor force participation rates in the state, while more rural counties tend to have lower rates. Read article →
Economic insights for Indiana since 1926
Quarterly analysis and insight on Indiana’s economic and demographic issues.
Visit Indiana Business Review
Top Jobs: Indiana’s revised system for evaluating in-demand jobs
Summer 2025
The Department of Workforce Development, in partnership with the Indiana Business Research Center and Lightcast, updated the approach for evaluating the top occupations across the state. Read article →
Integrating real estate research and practice
Biannual analysis of the housing market through a joint initiative with IU's Center for Real Estate Studies.
Visit Kelley Real Estate Outlook
Missing Middle Housing: Part of Our Past May Solve Today’s Problems
Spring 2025
Missing middle housing refers to an array of housing options that fills the gap between the lower density of single-family detached homes and the higher density of mid-rise apartments. These housing types — and collectively, increased housing diversity — may be the solution to today’s housing market quandary. Read article →
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