Not seasonally adjusted jobless rates declined in all 17 of Michigan’s major labor market areas during October, according to data released Tuesday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) identified a distortion in their statistical estimates and has revised Michigan’s September not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate upward by 1.7 percentage points to 5.5 percent. The median September upward jobless rate revision for Michigan counties and regions was +1.2 percentage points, with a range of rate revisions from +0.7 to +3.1 percentage points.
“Jobless rates declined in all major Michigan labor markets in October, although labor force levels were generally down over the month,” said Wayne Rourke, associate director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives. “Payroll job levels advanced in most metro areas in October.”
Major area unemployment rate decreases in October ranged from 0.5 to 1.9 percentage points, with a median decline of 0.7 percentage points. These monthly rate cuts were led by the Lansing metropolitan statistical area (MSA) largely due to recalls from layoffs in the auto sector.
• Regional unemployment rates move down over year
Over the year, all 17 Michigan regions displayed jobless rate reductions, with a median decrease of 0.7 percentage points.
October 2021 regional jobless rates remained above pre-pandemic October 2019 levels. All 17 major labor market areas exhibited higher unemployment rates over the last two years, with a median increase of 1.9 percentage points.
• Regional employment levels increase over month, down since October 2019
Eleven Michigan regions recorded employment gains between September and October. Increases ranged from 0.1 to 1.8 percent, with a median advance of 0.8 percent. Five regions exhibited employment decreases over the month, and employment was unchanged in the Muskegon MSA during October.
All 17 Michigan regional employment levels remained below pre-pandemic October 2019 levels, with a median decline of 6.5 percent over the two-year period.
• Labor force levels decrease over month and year
Twelve Michigan regions had workforce level declines over the month, with a median decrease of 0.7 percent. The largest labor force cut was in the Northwest Lower Michigan region and reflected the typical drop in the area summer tourism workforce.
All 17 labor market areas exhibited workforce reductions over the year, with a median decrease of 2.2 percent.
• Regional payroll job levels advance significantly during October
Not seasonally adjusted Michigan nonfarm jobs rose sharply by 63,000, or 1.5 percent, according to the monthly survey of employers. This was the largest monthly job gain in Michigan since February, and the largest October job advance in at least 10 years. Employment rose in most major industries, led by professional and business services (+21,000).
October payroll jobs moved up in 12 Michigan metro areas, with a median increase of 1.1 percent. The largest job addition was in the Lansing metro area (+2.2 percent), with recalls in transportation equipment manufacturing and a seasonal job advance in public education.
Over the year, statewide nonfarm jobs increased by 134,000, or 3.2 percent. Thirteen metro areas exhibited payroll employment advances since October 2020, with a median gain of 2.2 percent.
• County jobless rates fall over month and year
Eighty-two Michigan counties displayed jobless rate declines over the month. Over the year, 69 counties exhibited unemployment rate reductions.
