LANSING, Mich. – Michigan’s seasonally adjusted jobless rate increased by two-tenths of a percentage point over the month to 4.7 percent during October, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Employment receded by 9,000 over the month, while unemployment advanced by 6,000, resulting in a workforce decline of 3,000 since September.

“The uptick in Michigan’s jobless rate reflected a decrease in the workforce and an increase in unemployment over the month,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Total payroll jobs in the state also receded slightly since September.”

The national jobless rate was unchanged between September and October at 4.1 percent. Michigan’s October unemployment rate was six-tenths of a percentage point larger than the U.S. rate. Over the year, the national jobless rate rose by 0.3 percentage points, while the statewide rate advanced by half a percentage point since October 2023.

Labor force trends and highlights

• Unemployment in the state rose for the seventh consecutive month during October.
• Michigan’s over-the-month employment reduction of 0.2 percent matched the employment decrease seen nationally.
• Total unemployment in the state advanced by 11.9 percent over the year, a gain 3.5 percentage points larger than the national unemployment total increase (+8.4 percent).
• The October statewide labor force participation rate decreased by one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 62.2 percent. Michigan’s employment-population ratio was also reduced by one-tenth of a percentage point to 59.3 percent during the same period.

Detroit metro area unemployment rate increases during October

The Detroit-Warren-Dearborn Metropolitan Statistical Area’s (MSA) seasonally adjusted jobless rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.7 percent in October. Employment in the region fell by 11,000, while unemployment advanced by 2,000 over the month. The Detroit metro area labor force was reduced by 9,000 during October.   

The Detroit MSA jobless rate increased by 0.7 percentage points over the year. Employment fell by 38,000, and unemployment increased by 13,000 since October 2023.

Michigan payroll employment inches down slightly in October

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm payroll jobs declined slightly by 1,000 between September and October.

Industry employment trends and highlights

• Following a gain of 8,000 jobs in September, Michigan payroll jobs fell by 1,000 in October.
• Despite minor job additions across several industries, total employment fell in October largely due to monthly job losses in leisure and hospitality (-5,000).
• Michigan’s private education and health services sector demonstrated the largest numerical employment gain over the month, with employment rising by 3,000 during October.
• The state’s financial activities sector recorded employment growth for the fourth consecutive month, with jobs advancing by 5,000 since June 2024.
• On a numerical basis, the most pronounced over-the-year industry job gains occurred in government (+19,000), construction (+15,000), and private education and health services (+11,000).

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

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