Michigan Jobless Rate Remains Constant in May

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.9 percent for the fourth consecutive month during May.

The national unemployment rate rose by one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.0 percent over the month. Michigan’s May jobless rate was one-tenth of a percentage point below the U.S. rate. This is the first time since May 2023 that Michigan’s jobless rate was below the U.S. rate. Over the year, both the U.S. and Michigan unemployment rates rose by 0.3 percentage points. Michigan was tied with Delaware in having the 16^th highest jobless rate in the nation during May.

Michigan’s labor force edged up by 0.1 percent since April 2024, while the national workforce decreased by 0.1 percent. The statewide employment total was essentially unchanged, while the U.S. employment level receded by 0.3 percent. The national unemployment gain of 2.4 percent over the month was nearly five times larger than the unemployment increase seen statewide (+0.5 percent).

Michigan’s workforce advanced by 1.1 percent over the year, more than half a percentage point above the national workforce increase (+0.5 percent). Michigan’s employment total advanced by 0.8 percent since May 2023, while U.S. employment edged up by 0.2 percent. Unemployment in the state rose by 8.8 percent over the year, a gain nearly identical to the unemployment increase seen nationally (+8.7 percent).

The Michigan unemployment rate fell below the national rate during May.

Source: Local Area Unemployment Statistics, Michigan Center for Data and Analytics

For more information on Michigan's statewide and regional labor markets, read the full press releases from the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. Download custom employment and unemployment data with the MCDA Data Search tool.