LANSING, Mich. -- Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate remained unchanged at 3.6 percent during July, according to data released today by the Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment in the state advanced by 22,000 and unemployment rose by 1,000, resulting in a workforce increase of 23,000 during July.
“Michigan’s July labor market continued to remain stable, with minor over-the-month increases in both total employment and unemployment,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Seasonally adjusted payroll jobs remained constant in July as well.”
The national unemployment rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point to 3.5 percent over the month. Michigan’s July rate was one-tenth of a percentage point above the U.S. rate. The national unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.5 percent over the year, while Michigan’s rate fell by half a percentage point since July 2022.
Labor force trends and highlights
- After four months of jobless rate decreases, Michigan’s unemployment rate remained unchanged between June and July 2023.
- After five months of unemployment decreases, Michigan’s total unemployment level increased by 1,000, or 0.6 percent, over the month.
- Michigan’s workforce level rose by 2.0 percent over the year, an increase comparable to that seen nationally (+1.9 percent).
- The July statewide labor force participation rate advanced by three-tenths of a percentage point to 61.0 percent over the month, a three-year high. Michigan’s employment-population ratio increased by 0.2 percentage points to 58.8 percent.
Detroit metro area unemployment rate edges up in July
The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 3.0 percent. Total employment rose by 10,000 and unemployment increased by 1,000, resulting in a workforce gain of 11,000 since June 2023.
The Detroit MSA unemployment rate fell by half a percentage point over the year. Employment increased by 42,000 and unemployment fell by 9,000. The region’s labor force rose by 33,000 since July 2022.
Michigan payroll jobs unchanged in July
According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment remained stable over the month at 4,439,000. Employment was little changed across the state’s major industries between June and July.
Industry employment trends and highlights
- Four of Michigan’s statewide industries recorded minor job increases over the month, including trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,000); manufacturing (+1,000); financial activities (+1,000); and government (+1,000).
- Employment gains across statewide industries were offset by decreases in several sectors, led by professional and business services (-3,000).
- Jobs in the state’s financial activities sector rose for the second consecutive month during July.
- Over the year, Michigan's total nonfarm employment rose by 63,000, or 1.4 percent.
- The most pronounced over-the-year numerical industry job gains occurred in the state’s government (+20,000) and education and health services (+19,000) industries.
- Average weekly hours in Michigan’s transportation equipment manufacturing sector fell by 7.5 percent over the month.
For more detailed information, including data tables, view the full release.
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