Michigan regional unemployment rates increase in July

Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 14 of Michigan’s 17 labor market areas over the month, according to data released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

“Michigan regional labor markets exhibited typical jobless rate hikes during July,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director of the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Seasonal job cuts in the state’s government sector contributed to payroll employment decreases across most metro areas.”

Michigan regional unemployment rates ranged from 3.8 to 5.8 percent in July, with a median jobless rate increase of 0.1 percentage points over the month. Only the Upper Peninsula (-0.1 percentage points) exhibited an unemployment rate decrease during the month, while both the Midland metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and the Northwest Lower Michigan region saw no change in rate since June.  

Since July 2022, jobless rates receded in 16 Michigan labor market areas, with a median rate reduction of 0.5 percentage points. The largest over-the-year rate decrease occurred in the Lansing MSA (-1.6 percentage points).

—Regional employment levels down over month, up over year

Employment decreased in 14 Michigan labor market areas over the month, with a median reduction of 0.5 percent. The largest decrease was seen in the Lansing metro area (-0.8 percent). Total employment rose in three Michigan regions, with the greatest over-the-month change observed in the Detroit MSA (+1.4 percent).

Employment advanced in all 17 Michigan regions over the year, with a median increase of 3.2 percent. The most prominent over-the-year employment gain occurred in the Ann Arbor MSA (+5.3 percent).

—Regional labor force levels down over month, up over year

Labor force levels decreased in 14 Michigan regions over the month, with a median decline of 0.4 percent. Three Michigan regions demonstrated workforce advances in July, led by the Detroit MSA (+1.7 percent).

All 17 Michigan regions exhibited labor force advances over the year, with a median increase of 2.7 percent. The Ann Arbor MSA demonstrated the largest over-the-year workforce gain of 4.8 percent.

—Regional payroll jobs decrease in July

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan not seasonally adjusted payroll employment receded by 50,000, or 1.1 percent, over the month. Job reductions primarily occurred in Michigan’s government (-27,000) and professional and business services (-21,000) sectors.

Thirteen Michigan metro areas demonstrated jobs reductions over the month, with a median decrease of 0.8 percent. The largest over-the-month job decline of 1.7 percent occurred in the Monroe MSA. Total nonfarm jobs in the Midland MSA inched up 0.3 percent in July.

Michigan total payroll employment rose by 75,000, or 1.7 percent, over the year. All 14 metro areas demonstrated employment advances over the year, with a median increase of 1.9 percent.  

—County unemployment rates mixed over month, down over year

Fifty-one Michigan counties exhibited jobless rate increases between June and July. Eighteen counties displayed rate decreases over the month, and 14 county unemployment rates were unchanged. Jobless rates fell in 66 counties over the year.