Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.5 percent in March, according to data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Statewide employment receded by 3,000, while total unemployment rose by 5,000 during March. The statewide workforce increased by 3,000 over the month.
“Michigan’s unemployment rate increased for the third consecutive month during March,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for Michigan’s Center for Data and Analytics. “Payroll jobs declined this month led by losses in the manufacturing and professional and business services sectors.”
The national jobless rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.2 percent in March. Michigan’s March unemployment rate was 1.3 percentage points above the U.S. rate. Over the year, the national jobless rate rose by 0.3 percentage points, while Michigan’s rate advanced by 1.3 percentage points since March 2024.
Labor force trends and highlights
Michigan’s first quarter 2025 average unemployment rate was 5.4 percent, 0.2 percentage points above the average jobless rate from the prior quarter.
Total statewide employment receded by 0.1 percent during March, contrary to the 0.1 percent advance in employment levels seen nationally.
The statewide labor force rose by 1.2 percent over the year, four-tenths of a percentage point below the national workforce gain (+1.6 percent).
The March statewide labor force participation rate was unchanged over the month at 62.0 percent. Michigan’s employment-population ratio decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 58.6 percent during March.
