LANSING, Mich. – Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates fell in all 18 Michigan labor market areas during April, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

“Prominent labor force reductions across the state contributed to regional jobless rate decreases during April” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Payroll jobs rose in all metro areas over the month.”

Michigan regional unemployment rates ranged from 3.5 to 7.6 percent during April, with a median rate reduction of 0.5 percentage points. The largest rate reduction occurred in the Northeast Lower Michigan region (-1.1 percentage points).

Seventeen Michigan labor market areas exhibited jobless rate declines over the year, with a median rate decrease of 0.7 percentage points. The largest over-the-year rate reduction occurred in the Northeast Lower Michigan region (-1.3 percentage points). The Detroit metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was the only region to demonstrate an unemployment rate gain since April 2025 (+0.4 percentage points).

Total employment down over month and year

Total employment was reduced in 16 Michigan labor market areas over the month, with a median decrease of 1.6 percent. The largest over-the-month employment decline occurred in the Ann Arbor MSA (-2.3 percent). Two regions exhibited employment increases in April, including the Northeast Lower Michigan region and the Detroit MSA.

Seventeen Michigan regions demonstrated employment reductions over the year, with a median decline of 6.0 percent. The largest over-the-year employment decrease occurred in the Midland MSA (-8.2 percent).   

Regional workforce levels down over month and year

Regional labor force totals receded in all 18 Michigan labor market areas in April, with a median decrease of 2.0 percent. The largest labor force reduction occurred in the Bay City MSA (-2.7 percent).

Regional workforce levels fell in 17 regions over the year, with a median decline of 6.6 percent. The Midland metro area demonstrated the largest over-the-year labor force decrease of 8.5 percent.  

Regional nonfarm employment increases in April

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan not seasonally adjusted payroll jobs rose by 36,000, or 0.8 percent, during April. Employment gains occurred in most major statewide industries, led by leisure and hospitality (+10,000) and construction (+9,000).  

Payroll jobs rose in all 15 Michigan metro areas over the month, with a median increase of 0.6 percent. The Jackson and Midland MSAs both demonstrated the largest gain in nonfarm jobs since March (+1.0 percent).  

Michigan total nonfarm employment fell by 11,000, or 0.2 percent, over the year. Eight metro areas exhibited payroll job reductions over the year, led by the Midland MSA (-3.2 percent).  

County unemployment rates down over month and year

Seventy-eight Michigan counties exhibited unemployment rate decreases during April, with a median reduction of 0.7 percentage points. Jobless rates fell in 77 Michigan counties over the year.

Detailed data will be available for viewing and download with the MCDA Data Search tool by noon.

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