Michigan Jobless Rate Remains Constant in January

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged  over the month at 4.3 percent, according to data released today by the Michigan  Department of Technology, Management & Budget. Total employment in the state  advanced by 3,000, while unemployment remained constant over the month, resulting in  a minor workforce increase of 3,000 in January.

“Michigan’s labor market saw little movement between December and January,” said  Wayne Rourke, labor market information director of Michigan’s Center for Data and  Analytics. “The state’s unemployment rate remained flat, while payroll jobs rose slightly.”

The national unemployment rate declined by one-tenth of a percentage point between  December 2022 and January 2023 to 3.4 percent. Michigan’s January jobless rate was  nine-tenths of a percentage point above the national rate. Over the year, the U.S.  unemployment rate receded by 0.6 percentage points, while Michigan’s rate decreased  slightly by one-tenth of a percentage point since January 2022.

Labor force trends and highlights: 

• As a result of the annual revision process, Michigan’s 2022 annual average jobless rate is now 4.2 percent.
• Unemployment in the state remained unchanged in January, while national unemployment fell by 0.5 percent over the month.
• Over the year, total employment in the state rose by 0.5 percent, while employment in the U.S. advanced by 1.9 percent.
• The January statewide labor force participation rate advanced by one-tenth of a percentage point to 59.8 percent, while Michigan’s employment-population ratio remained unchanged at 57.2 percent.

Michigan payroll jobs edge up slightly over the month 

According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment advanced by 13,000, or 0.3 percent, during January. The total nonfarm job count was 4,403,000, with minor employment increases occurring throughout multiple industries.

Industry employment trends and highlights:

• January marked the third consecutive month of seasonally adjusted job gains in the state.
• On a numerical basis, industries with the largest employment gains included trade, transportation, and utilities (+3,000) and education and health services (+3,000).
• Industries with the largest over-the-year payroll job gains included government (+22,000); education and health services (+20,000); and leisure and hospitality (+20,000).
• Financial activities were the only statewide sector to exhibit a decrease in payroll jobs over the year (-4,000).
• Total nonfarm jobs rose by 97,000, or 2.3 percent, since January 2022.