November 10, 2025
Veterans make up over 5 percent of the Michigan population and the majority (55 percent) are in their retirement years, age 65 or older. Of the veterans that participate in the labor force and are employed, nearly 8 percent work in Public administration, which is more than double the rate of nonveterans (3.4 percent).
Fewer veterans (42 percent) participate in Michigan’s labor force than nonveterans (64 percent). This corresponds with what is seen at the national level, where 48 percent of veterans participate in the labor force versus 65 percent of nonveterans. Lower participation among veterans is likely due to a high proportion being over the age of 65, as well as other contributing factors such as disabilities.
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Unemployment Rate by Veteran Status in Michigan (Age 18+)
Source: Employment Situation of Veterans, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
The unemployment rate for veterans (4.7 percent) is slightly higher than the nonveteran rate (4.4 percent). This is the first time that veterans have had a greater unemployment rate since 2020. Over the last decade, veterans have typically observed lower unemployment rates than nonveterans.
Over half of the veterans in the Michigan labor force are employed within Manufacturing; Trade, transportation, and utilities; or Educational and health services. These same industries also employ most nonveterans.
Although it is a smaller industry, a larger share of veterans (7.8 percent) work in Public administration than nonveterans (3.4 percent). Examples of specific areas within the sector include Justice, public order, and safety activities; Administration of housing programs and community development; and National security and international affairs.
Employment Shares in Michigan Industries by Veteran Status
Source: 2023 One-Year Public Use Microdata Samples, American Community Survey, U.S. Census Bureau
For more employment information on veterans in Michigan read the full Michigan Veterans report.
