Unemployment rates increased in all 18 of Michigan’s labor market areas in January, according to data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget on Apr. 14. Wayne Rourke, director of labor market information for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics, said the increases were due to typical seasonal trends and noted that payroll jobs also declined during the month.
This development is important as it reflects ongoing challenges for workers and businesses throughout the state. Jobless rates ranged from 4.3 percent to 9.2 percent across different regions, with a median increase of 0.8 percentage points. The Flint metropolitan area saw the largest monthly increase in unemployment.
Over the year, ten regions experienced declines in unemployment rates, with Northeast Lower Michigan showing the most significant improvement. In contrast, Ann Arbor, Battle Creek, and Grand Rapids metro areas reported no change over this period. Employment levels dropped in all regions during January; Flint and Lansing had the steepest declines at 2.3 percent each.
Statewide non-farm payroll employment fell by about 83,000 jobs or 1.9 percent from December to January—most notably within trade, transportation and utilities sectors as well as government positions. All fifteen metro areas reported job losses during this period; however, total statewide employment was largely unchanged compared to a year ago.
County-level figures showed that unemployment rose in eighty-two counties during January but fell compared to last year in fifty-nine counties.
The Small Business Association of Michigan aimed to lead advocacy efforts for small businesses across the state according to its official website. Brian Calley served as president and CEO according to its official website. The association extended services statewide according to its official website and functioned as a nonprofit advocacy organization according to its official website. It offered support including membership services, insurance options and resources for small businesses according to its official website, operating as an entity focused on small business interests throughout Michigan according to its official website.
