Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates fell in all 17 Michigan labor market areas during March, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
“Michigan’s regional labor markets recorded positive trends over the month,” said Wayne Rourke, associate director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. “March was characterized by seasonal jobless rate reductions across all regions and payroll job gains in most metro areas.”
Michigan regional jobless rates ranged from 3.1 to 7.5 percent. Unemployment rate declines ranged from 0.5 to 1.8 percentage points, with a median decrease of 0.9 percentage points. The most pronounced jobless rate reduction occurred in the Monroe metropolitan statistical area (MSA) as a result of recalls from auto-related layoffs during the prior month.
Jobless rates moved down in all major Michigan regions since March 2021, with a notable median decline of 2.1 percentage points. The largest over-the-year rate decrease occurred in the Muskegon metro area (-3.1 percentage points).
The jobless rate in Berrien County (Niles-Benton Harbor MSA) was 4.4% in March, down from 5.2% in February and down from 6.7% in March of 2021.
Cass County’s Jobless Rate came in at 3.8% and Van Buren County was 5.1% in March.
Regional employment levels up over month and year
All 17 Michigan labor market areas had employment advances between February and March, with a median hike of 2.2 percent. The largest over-the-month increase occurred in the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA (+2.9 percent).
Employment rose in all major Michigan regions over the year as well, with a median advance of 4.3 percent. The Ann Arbor metro area exhibited the largest over-the-year employment surge (+6.9 percent).
Regional labor force levels rise over month and year
Sixteen regions had workforce level gains over the month, with a median advance of 1.1 percent. Both the Niles-Benton Harbor and Lansing regions exhibited the largest over-the-month increase of 1.9 percent. The Detroit MSA was the only region without labor force growth in March.
All 17 Michigan regions registered labor force additions over the year. The largest advance in labor force occurred in the Ann Arbor metro area (+5.0 percent).
Metro area payroll jobs advance in March and over the year
Not seasonally adjusted total nonfarm employment in Michigan moved up by 30,000, or 0.7 percent, over the month with job gains occurring throughout all major statewide industries. On a numerical basis, sectors with the largest March job additions included manufacturing (+9,000) and leisure and hospitality (+5,000).
Payroll employment advanced in 12 of Michigan’s 14 metro regions over the month, with a median job hike of 0.6 percent. The Midland MSA was the only region with a minor employment reduction over the month (-0.3 percent). Nonfarm jobs remained unchanged in the Battle Creek metro area since February.
Statewide nonfarm jobs rose by 176,000, or 4.3 percent, over the year. Payroll employment increased in all Michigan metro areas since March 2021, with a median advance of 3.5 percent.
County jobless rates decline over month and year
All 83 Michigan counties registered unemployment rate reductions over the month, with the largest jobless rate cut occurring in Mackinac County. Jobless rates fell in all 83 counties over the year as well.
For more detailed information, including data tables, view the full release.
