Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates rose in 14 of Michigan’s 18 labor market areas over the month, according to data released today by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
“Michigan regional labor markets were largely impacted by seasonal workforce increases over the month,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “Payroll employment rose in most Michigan metro areas during May.”
Michigan regional unemployment rates ranged from 4.6 to 7.4 percent in May, with a median rate gain of half a percentage point. The largest rate increase occurred in the Detroit metropolitan statistical area (MSA), with a jobless rate gain of 0.9 percentage points. Unemployment rates decreased seasonally over the month in both the Northwest and Northeast Lower Michigan regions, as well as the Upper Peninsula. The Traverse City MSA jobless rate remained unchanged since April.
All 18 Michigan labor market areas displayed unemployment rate gains over the year, with a median rate increase of 1.2 percentage points. The Bay City, Flint, and Saginaw metro areas all exhibited the most pronounced rate increase of 1.6 percentage points over the year.
Total employment up over month, down over year
Total employment rose in 13 Michigan labor market areas over the month, with a median increase of 0.8 percent. The largest employment gain occurred in the Northeast Lower Michigan region (+4.6 percent).
Sixteen Michigan regions exhibited employment reductions over the year, with a median decrease of 1.2 percent. Employment rose in the Lansing MSA and the Northeast Lower Michigan region over the year.
Regional workforce levels up over month and year
Regional labor force levels rose in all 18 Michigan regions over the month, with a median increase of 0.9 percent. The Northeast Lower Michigan region exhibited the largest workforce increase over the month (+2.8 percent).
Michigan labor force levels rose in 13 labor market areas over the year, with a median gain of 0.5 percent. Four Michigan labor market areas demonstrated workforce decreases over the year, and the labor force remained unchanged in the Saginaw MSA since May 2024.
