Kokomo
The Kokomo, Indiana, Metropolitan Statistical Area, consists of Howard County in north-central Indiana.* The city of Kokomo, with an economic base centered around the automotive industry, is the county seat and the most populous city in Howard County.
* MSAs are defined by the U.S. Office of Management and Budget.Quick Stats
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The Kokomo Futurecast Event
Kelley Student Center – Room 130
2300 S Washington St,
Kokomo, IN 46902
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This event is co-hosted by the IU Kokomo School of Business, the IBRC and the Kelley School of Business.
What did we say last year about the Kokomo region?
Published December 2025
The Howard County unemployment rate shows a great degree of volatility, with a high-low spread of 1.8 percentage points during the first eight months of 2025. During the first couple months of 2025, the unemployment rate showed small-to-moderate drops in unemployment before experiencing a larger drop in March. However, since the declaration of “Liberation Day” in April (when the Trump administration rolled out its new tariff plan), the unemployment rate has mostly risen, especially for Howard County.
Assuming the moderation of trade restrictions, one can see a brighter future for agriculture within the region. Stability in agricultural production, as well as trade policies, will provide welcome comfort to farmers. However, the looming threat of ongoing or escalated trade tensions continues to keep many in the agricultural sector awake at night.
Read the full Kokomo article »
Each year in December, the Indiana Business Research Center publishes a special Outlook edition of the Indiana Business Review.
Published continuously since 1926, the Indiana Business Review is a quarterly publication that provides analysis and insight on economic and demographic issues.