Regional Michigan unemployment rates advance in December

Not seasonally adjusted jobless rates advanced in 16 of Michigan’s 17 labor market areas over the month, according to data released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

“Regional labor markets demonstrated employment and workforce reductions during December,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director of the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics.

“However, preliminary annual average jobless rates declined markedly over the year.”

Regional jobless rates in the state ranged from 3.0 to 7.7 percent in December. Unemployment rate advances ranged from 0.1 to 1.5 percentage points, with a median increase of four-tenths of a percentage point. The largest over-the-month increase occurred in the Northeast Lower Michigan region. The Ann Arbor metropolitan statistical area (MSA) was the only Michigan region to exhibit a reduction in jobless rate over the month (-0.1 percentage points).

—Annual average unemployment rates down over year

Preliminary annual average data indicates that regional jobless rates decreased notably in all of Michigan’s 17 major regions over the year. Rate reductions ranged from 0.5 to 2.1 percentage points, with a median decrease of 1.2 percentage points.

—Total employment down over month, up over year

Employment totals receded in 16 Michigan labor market areas in December, with a median decline of 1.0 percent. The most pronounced employment decrease occurred in the Northeast Lower Michigan region (-2.4 percent). The Detroit MSA exhibited a minor employment gain over the month (+0.2 percent).

All 17 Michigan labor market areas demonstrated employment advances over the year, with a median increase of 1.8 percent. The Lansing metro area had the largest over-the-year employment gain (+4.8 percent).

—Workforce levels down over month, up over year

Labor force levels decreased in 16 Michigan regions over the month, with a median reduction of 0.5 percent. The largest over-the-month reduction occurred in the Ann Arbor MSA (-1.4 percent).  
Sixteen Michigan labor market areas demonstrated workforce advances over the year, with a median increase of 1.9 percent. The Lansing MSA exhibited the largest workforce increase since December 2021 (+4.8 percent).

—Regional payroll employment levels fall in December

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan not seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment receded by 26,000, or 0.6 percent, since November. Sectors with the largest numerical decreases in jobs included government (-9,000), leisure and hospitality (-9,000), and construction (-8,000).       

Twelve Michigan metro areas demonstrated payroll job reductions between November and December, with a median decrease of 0.3 percent. The largest employment decline occurred in the Ann Arbor metro area (-1.2 percent). Nonfarm jobs edged up by 0.1 percent in the Grand Rapids MSA and remained unchanged in the Bay City MSA.  

Michigan total nonfarm jobs rose by 94,000 over the year, or 2.2 percent. Eleven metro areas exhibited job advances over the year, with a median increase of 1.3 percent.

—County jobless rates up over month and year

Eighty-one Michigan counties displayed unemployment rate gains during December, with a median increase of 0.7 percentage points. Sixty-seven Michigan counties demonstrated jobless rate advances over the year.