LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate advanced by two-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 4.8 percent during November, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment fell by 7,000 over the month, while unemployment rose by 9,000, resulting in a workforce gain of 2,000 since October.  

“Michigan’s unemployment rate increased this month, primarily due to a rise in the number of unemployed people,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Payroll jobs went up in November, the third month in row to show positive job additions.”

The national unemployment rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.2 percent during November. Michigan’s November unemployment rate was six-tenths of a percentage point larger than the U.S. rate. Over the year, the national jobless rate advanced by half a percentage point, while the statewide rate increased by 0.7 percentage points since November 2023.

Labor force trends and highlights

• Michigan’s unemployment rate rose for the second consecutive month during November.
• The state’s October 2024 unemployment rate was revised down by one-tenth of a percentage point, from 4.7 to 4.6 percent.
• The number of unemployed people in the state increased by 3.8 percent over the month, a gain 1.5 percentage points larger than the national unemployment total increase (+2.3 percent).
• Michigan’s total workforce rose by 0.2 percent over the year, an increase comparable to the national labor force gain of 0.1 percent.
• The November statewide labor force participation rate was unchanged over the month at 62.2 percent. Michigan’s employment-population ratio receded by one-tenth of a percentage point to 59.2 percent during the same period.  

Detroit metro area unemployment rate advances in November

The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted jobless rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.8 percent during November. Employment in the region fell by 12,000, while unemployment rose by 3,000 over the month. The Detroit region’s labor force was reduced by 9,000 during November.    

The Detroit MSA jobless rate increased by 0.8 percentage points over the year. Employment fell by 50,000, and unemployment increased by 17,000 since November 2023.

Michigan nonfarm employment increases in November

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 7,000 during November.

Industry employment trends and highlights

• The change in total payroll employment for October was revised up by 4,000 from 4,494,000 to 4,498,000.
• Statewide payroll jobs have risen for the third consecutive month in November, with employment having increased by 18,000, or 0.4 percent, since August 2024.
• Michigan’s leisure and hospitality sector exhibited the largest over-the-month numerical job gain, with employment rising by 3,000 since October.
• The state’s professional and business services sector recorded payroll job additions (+1,000) following five consecutive months of declining employment in this industry.
• Monthly job losses were led by the trade, transportation, and utilities (-2,000) sector.
• On a seasonally adjusted basis, Michigan total nonfarm payroll jobs rose by 53,000, or 1.2 percent, over the year.
• Since November 2023, the government (+19,000), construction (+15,000), and leisure and hospitality (+10,000) sectors recorded the most pronounced numerical job additions.

For more detailed information, including data tables, view the full release.

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