Michigan regional jobless rates advance modestly in July
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LANSING - Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 11 of Michigan's 18 labor market areas over the month, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
"Most Michigan regional labor markets exhibited minor unemployment rate changes during July," said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. "Payroll jobs decreased across nearly all metro areas, as seasonal cuts in education-occurred during the month."
Michigan regional unemployment rates ranged from 3.8 to 6.0 percent during July, with a minor median rate gain of 0.2 percentage points. The largest over-the-month rate increase occurred in the Battle Creek metropolitan statistical area (MSA). Jobless rates remained unchanged in six regions over the month, and the Midland MSA unemployment rate receded by 0.1 percentage points since June.
Seventeen Michigan labor market areas exhibited unemployment rate reductions over the year, with a median rate decrease of 0.9 percentage points. The largest over-the-year rate decline occurred in the Flint MSA (-1.4 percentage points). The Detroit metro area was the only Michigan region to exhibit a jobless rate increase since July 2025 (+0.4 percentage points).
Regional employment up over month, down over year
Total employment rose in 12 Michigan labor market areas over the month, with a median gain of 1.3 percent. The largest over-the-month employment increase occurred in the Traverse City MSA (+3.4 percent). Five regions exhibited employment reductions over the month, and employment was unchanged in the Monroe MSA since June.
All 18 Michigan regions demonstrated employment decreases over the year, with a median decline of 6.3 percent. The largest over-the-year employment reduction occurred in the Muskegon MSA (-7.1 percent).
Regional labor force levels up over month, down over year
Regional workforce totals rose in 14 Michigan labor market areas in July, with a median increase of 1.2 percent. The most pronounced labor force gain occurred in the Traverse City MSA (+3.3 percent). Four regions demonstrated labor force declines over the month, including the Detroit, Jackson, Kalamazoo, and Lansing metro areas.
Regional labor force levels fell in all 18 regions over the year, with a median decrease of 7.0 percent. The Muskegon MSA demonstrated the largest over-the-year labor force decrease of 8.2 percent.
Regional nonfarm employment recedes in July
According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan not seasonally adjusted payroll jobs decreased by 50,000, or 1.1 percent, during July. The largest over-the-month employment reductions were concentrated in two sectors, including government (-28,000) and professional and business services (-25,000).
Payroll jobs fell in 14 of Michigan's 15 metro areas over the month, with a median decrease of 1.3 percent. The most pronounced employment reduction occurred in the Monroe MSA (-3.4 percent).
Michigan payroll jobs advanced by 19,000, or 0.4 percent, over the year. Nine metro areas demonstrated payroll job gains since July 2025, led by the Flint MSA (+1.5 percent). Nine regions exhibited employment additions over the year, five showed job losses, and employment remained unchanged in the Bay City MSA since July 2025.
County jobless rates up over month, down over year
Forty-eight of Michigan's 83 counties demonstrated unemployment rate increases during July, with a median gain of 0.2 percentage points. Jobless rates fell in 79 Michigan counties over the year.