Lansing, Michigan – Jobless rates decreased in 16 of Michigan’s 17 labor market regions last month, as reported by the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics.
“Michigan regions demonstrated positive labor market trends over the month,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Seasonal jobless rate reductions and payroll job gains occurred throughout most metro areas.”
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In March, regional unemployment rates in Michigan varied from 3.1% to 7.8%, with the average rate falling by 0.3 percentage points. The reductions in rates ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 percentage points. The most significant decrease was seen in the Northeast Lower Michigan area. The Ann Arbor area was the exception, where the rate slightly increased by 0.1 percentage points.
Looking at the annual data, 16 Michigan regions had lower unemployment rates compared to last year, with an average drop of 0.5 percentage points. The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn area was the only one to see an increase in the jobless rate since March 2023, rising by 0.4 percentage points.
Total employment up over month and year
In Michigan, all 17 regions saw employment increases last month, with an average growth of 1.3 percent. The Northeast Lower Michigan region had the biggest monthly rise, gaining 1.6 percent in jobs. Over the year, every one of these regions also recorded employment growth, with a median increase of 2.8 percent, and the Monroe MSA showing the largest annual gain of 4.3 percent.
Regional labor force levels up over month and year
The labor force in all 17 Michigan regions expanded over the month as well, with an average growth of 1.1 percent. The Ann Arbor MSA experienced the most significant monthly increase, at 1.3 percent. Over the year, the workforce across these regions grew by a median of 2.2 percent.
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Regional payroll jobs increase during March
According to employer surveys, Michigan’s non-seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment rose by 18,000 jobs or 0.4 percent over the past month. The largest job increases were seen in construction (7,000 jobs), leisure and hospitality (3,000 jobs), and government (3,000 jobs). In March, payroll jobs in 13 Michigan metro areas grew, with a median increase of 0.4 percent, the biggest of which was in the Midland MSA at 0.8 percent. Over the year, Michigan’s total nonfarm jobs went up by 38,000 or 0.9 percent, with 11 metro areas showing payroll job gains. The Monroe MSA led these gains with a 4.1 percent increase.
County jobless rates down over month and year
Seventy-six Michigan counties exhibited unemployment rate reductions over the month, with a median decrease of 0.4 percentage points. Over the year, unemployment rates declined in 75 counties.
For more detailed information, including data tables, view the full release.