March Unemployment Rates Edge Downward
Lansing – Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates declined in 15 of Michigan’s 17 major labor market areas in March, according to the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Total employment and labor force levels rose in most regions in March.
“Winter 2012 ended on a positive note for Michigan’s various local labor markets,” said Rick Waclawek, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. “March was marked by seasonal job gains in leisure and hospitality services and construction.”
Statewide, unemployment was down in March 2012 to 9.0 percent from 9.4 in February 2012. The March 2011 rate of unemployment was 11.2 percent in the state.
In the Upper Peninsula, the numbers are still higher than the statewide average, but are also on the decline. March 2012 unemployment in the U.P. was 10.3 percent, down from 10.5 in February, 2011 and 11.9 percent in March, 2011.
UPPER MICHIGAN COUNTIES RANKED BY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE, MARCH 2012
(Rank in State) (% Unemployment)
13 Menominee County 7.7
17 Dickinson County 8.2
18 Marquette County 8.2
31 Houghton County 9.5
37 Iron County 9.7
38 Delta County 9.8
47 Gogebic County 10.9
56 Luce County 11.8
58 Chippewa County 11.9
61 Alger County 12.4
75 Schoolcraft County 14.6
76 Ontonagon County 15.0
77 Keweenaw County 15.9
81 Baraga County 18.3
83 Mackinac County 21.6