Unemployment drops again in Michigan

Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates declined in all of Michigan’s 17 major labor market areas in April, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.  Total employment levels rose in most regions in April, while labor force levels were down slightly in the majority of areas.

“Michigan’s local labor markets recorded typical patterns in April with seasonal hiring throughout most of the state,” said Rick Waclawek, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives.  “Over the past year, nearly all of the state’s regions have shown an improved labor market environment.”

From March to April, seasonal unemployment rate reductions ranged from 0.5 to 2.1 percentage points with a significant median decline of a full percentage point.  The largest rate cuts were posted in the state’s three northernmost labor market areas as hiring began for the upcoming summer tourism season.  In April, eight of the state’s metropolitan regions displayed unemployment rates at or below the national seasonally unadjusted rate of 7.7 percent.

Since April 2011, 11 of Michigan’s 14 major metropolitan regions recorded payroll job gains. 

County Jobless Rates Down Over Month, Year

All of Michigan’s 83 counties recorded seasonal unemployment rate declines in April, with a significant median reduction of 1.5 percentage points.  A good portion of the largest rate drops occurred in Michigan’s northern counties.  In April, 53 counties in the state reported jobless rates below 10.0 percent.