LANSING, Mich. – Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates declined in 16 of Michigan’s 18 labor market areas over the month, according to data released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
“Michigan’s regional labor markets were relatively stable between February and March although unemployment remained elevated in all areas since last year,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Total payroll jobs increased in most metro areas, with several industries showing strong seasonal gains.”
Michigan regional unemployment rates ranged from 4.7 to 10.3 percent in March, with a median rate reduction of 0.4 percentage points over the month. Rate declines ranged from 0.1 to 0.9 percentage points, with the most pronounced over-the-month rate decrease occurring in the Monroe metropolitan statistical area (MSA). The Ann Arbor metro area exhibited a jobless rate increase over the month (+0.2 percentage points), and the unemployment rate in the Lansing MSA was unchanged since February.
All 18 Michigan labor market areas displayed unemployment rate gains over the year, with a median rate increase of 1.4 percentage points.
Total employment up over month, mixed over year
Total employment advanced in all 18 Michigan labor market areas over the month, with a median gain of 0.8 percent. The Lansing MSA and the Northeast Lower Michigan region both recorded the largest employment increase since February (+1.2 percent).
Employment advanced in nine Michigan labor market areas over the year, with a median increase of 0.7 percent. Eight regions experienced employment decreases over the year, and employment remained unchanged in the Muskegon MSA since March 2024.
Regional workforce levels up over month and year
Regional labor force levels advanced in 17 Michigan regions over the month, with a median gain of 0.5 percent. The most pronounced over-the-month workforce increase occurred in the Lansing metro area (+1.1 percent).
Michigan workforce levels rose in all 18 labor market areas over the year, with a median gain of 1.6 percent.
Regional nonfarm employment rose in March
According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan not seasonally adjusted payroll jobs rose by 6,000, or 0.1 percent, over the month. Industries with the most significant over-the-month increases included leisure and hospitality (+5,000) and construction (+3,000).
Payroll jobs advanced in 14 Michigan metro areas over the month, with a median increase of 0.5 percent. The largest payroll employment increase occurred in the Monroe MSA (+1.2 percent). Payroll jobs fell in the Grand Rapids metro area since February.
Michigan total nonfarm jobs advanced by 27,000, or 0.6 percent, over the year. Ten metro areas demonstrated job gains since March 2024, with a median increase of 1.3 percent.
County jobless rates down over month, up over year
Seventy-five Michigan counties demonstrated unemployment rate reductions over the month, with a median decrease of 0.5 percentage points. Eighty-two Michigan counties exhibited unemployment rate increases since March 2024.
For more detailed information, including data tables, view the full release.
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