Michigan Unemployment Rate Increases During October

Michigan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose by two-tenths of a percentage point to 4.7 percent in October.

In October, the national unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1 percent. Michigan’s rate was six-tenths of a percentage point above the U.S. rate. Over the year, the statewide rate advanced by 0.5 percentage points, while the national rate inched up by 0.3 percentage points. Across the nation, statewide jobless rates ranged from 1.9 percent in South Dakota to 5.7 percent in Nevada during October. Michigan was tied with New Jersey, South Carolina, and Washington for having the fifth highest unemployment rate in the country.

Michigan’s labor force edged down slightly by 0.1 percent over the month, matching the decrease seen nationally (-0.1 percent). During October, total statewide employment decreased by 0.2 percent, which was also equal to the U.S. employment decline (-0.2 percent). Total statewide unemployment advanced by 2.6 percent in October, while U.S. unemployment levels increased by 2.2 percent over the month.

Over the year, Michigan’s labor force edged up by 0.1 percent, while the U.S. workforce rose by half a percentage point. Since October 2023, statewide employment levels fell by 0.4 percent, contrary to the employment gains observed nationally (+0.1 percent). Michigan’s unemployment total advanced by 11.9 percent over the year, 3.5 percentage points above the national unemployment increase (+8.4 percent).

Michigan’s unemployment rate rose in October, widening the gap between the state and the national average.

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.