DELEG - Michigan's Regional Jobless Rate Shows Improvement Over Last Year, 10 of 12 Regions Report Gains Over 2003

December 22, 2004 – Since November 2003, jobless rates were down in 10 of Michigan’s 12 major labor market areas, according to the Michigan Department of Economic Growth. Many declines were significant, with an average decline of 0.8 of a percentage point. Three areas, the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), the Jackson MSA and the Northeast Lower Michigan Region, displayed unemployment rate drops of a full percentage point or more.

Over the year, the jobless rate in the Ann Arbor MSA was unchanged, while the rate in the Lansing MSA rose by 1.7 percentage points. The increase in the Lansing region was mainly the result of short-term layoffs in auto-related manufacturing that occurred in the fall of 2004.

“The jobless rate increases were minor in nine of the 12 areas,” said Bruce Weaver, acting director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives. “However, due to typical seasonal declines in tourism-related employment, the three northern labor market areas recorded significant hikes in their respective unemployment rates.”

Total Employment Up Over Year, Down Over Month
From November 2003 to November 2004, total employment increases were registered in nine major areas with solid gains reported in several regions. Total employment was down over the year in the Lansing, Saginaw-Bay-Midland, and Jackson MSAs.

Over the month, seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased in all 12 of the state’s major labor market areas. Labor force levels were mixed over the month while employment declined in all areas. Decreases were marginal in Michigan’s southern regions, averaging about 0.4 percent. Employment declines were substantial, but typical in the state’s three northernmost labor market areas with the end of the summer tourism season. The Northwest Lower Michigan Region, the Upper Peninsula, and the Northeast Lower Michigan Region, jobless rate hikes ranged from 1.5 to 2.4 percentage points and recorded a combined employment drop of over 10,000 in November.

Labor Force Levels Mixed Over Month, Up Over Year
In November, labor force levels decreased slightly in seven areas, increased slightly in four areas, and were essentially unchanged in the Ann Arbor MSA.

Over the year, labor force levels increased in eight areas and declined in four.

Payroll Employment Declines
The monthly survey of employers indicated that seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs in Michigan fell in November by 14,000 to total 4,420,000. Job losses occurred in leisure and hospitality services (-14,000), professional and business services (-9,000), manufacturing (-6,000) and construction (-3,000). The decreases in leisure and hospitality services, construction and a portion of professional and business services were seasonal and expected.

Somewhat offsetting the payroll employment decreases were seasonal gains in retail trade (+10,000) and government (+6,000). The increase in retail trade was evident in all of the state’s major metropolitan areas as merchants hired additional workers for the holiday season.

Over the year, six of the state’s nine major metropolitan areas registered payroll employment declines. The Detroit, Lansing, and Saginaw-Bay-Midland MSAs reported the largest drops. Three areas, the Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Benton Harbor MSAs, displayed modest job growth since November 2003.

Although retail trade employment was up seasonally in November, it was down substantially over the year. Almost all metropolitan areas in the state recorded declines in this sector since November 2003.

Statewide, jobs in professional and business services have increased over the year. Three areas in particular, the Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Grand Rapids MSAs, have displayed strong growth in this sector.

County Jobless Rates Up Over Month, Down Over Year
Eighty-two of Michigan’s 83 counties recorded unemployment rate increases in November. Many of the county rate advances were seasonal. The average increase over the month was almost a full percentage point. Twenty of the 25 most substantial jobless rate increases took place in counties that reside in the state’s three northernmost labor market areas.

Over the year, unemployment rates declined in 69 counties, falling by an average of a full percentage point. The rate in 13 counties increased since November 2003, while the jobless rate in one county was unchanged.

A breakdown of seasonally unadjusted November workforce estimates for Michigan and its 12 major labor market areas follows, along with a listing of county jobless rates for November.

Note to Editors: Please ensure that the source for state unemployment rates reads “Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth.”

The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth is the newest department of state government. It is charged with promoting economic growth, creating jobs and enhancing the quality of life for Michigan citizens. Part of this mission also includes meeting Michigan's workforce needs to enhance and maintain its economy. To this end, the state's career and workforce development programs work with employers, K-12 schools, community colleges, and local Workforce Development Boards to operate a comprehensive career development system.

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
ANN ARBOR MSA				month	year
(Washtenaw, Lenawee, Livingston counties)
Civilian Labor Force	321,800	327,100	327,100	0.0%	1.6%
Total Employment	309,500	315,800	314,700	-0.3%	1.7%
Unemployment	12,300	11,400	12,400	8.8%	0.8%
Rate (percent)	3.8	3.5	3.8

Contact: Jim Rhein, DLEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
BENTON HARBOR MSA				month	year
(Berrien County)
Civilian Labor Force	82,400	83,200	82,900	-0.4%	0.6%
Total Employment	76,400	78,200	77,500	-0.9%	1.4%
Unemployment	6,000	5,000	5,400	8.0%	-10.0%
Rate (percent)	7.3	6.1	6.5

Contact: Leonidas Murembya, DLEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 841-5634

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
DETROIT MSA (Data in thousands)				month	year
(Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Monroe,
Lapeer, St. Clair counties)
Civilian Labor Force	2,242	2,246	2,249	0.1%	0.3%
Total Employment	2,086	2,104	2,099	-0.2%	0.6%
Unemployment	156	142	150	5.6%	-3.8%
Rate (percent)	7.0	6.3	6.6

Contact: Jim Rhein, DLEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
FLINT MSA				month	year
(Genesee County)
Civilian Labor Force	188,000	187,400	187,500	0.1%	-0.3%
Total Employment	171,000	172,600	171,900	-0.4%	0.5%
Unemployment	17,000	14,800	15,600	5.4%	-8.2%
Rate (percent)	9.1	7.9	8.3

Contact: Jason Palmer, DLEG Regional Economic Analyst (989) 776-1508

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
GRAND RAPIDS - MUSKEGON - HOLLAND MSA				month	year
(Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon
and Allegan counties)
Civilian Labor Force	612,600	617,900	617,400	-0.1%	0.8%
Total Employment	567,900	582,200	579,800	-0.4%	2.1%
Unemployment	44,700	35,700	37,500	5.0%	-16.1%
Rate (percent)	7.3	5.8	6.1

Contact: Brian Waters, DLEG Regional Economic Analyst (616) 336-4883

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
JACKSON MSA				month	year
(Jackson County)
Civilian Labor Force	80,500	79,100	78,700	-0.5%	-2.2%
Total Employment	74,600	74,400	73,700	-0.9%	-1.2%
Unemployment	5,900	4,700	5,000	6.4%	-15.3%
Rate (percent)	7.4	6.0	6.4

Contact: Leonidas Murembya, DLEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 841-5634

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
KALAMAZOO - BATTLE CREEK MSA				month	year
(Kalamazoo, Calhoun and
Van Buren counties)
Civilian Labor Force	237,200	237,600	238,300	0.3%	0.5%
Total Employment	222,700	224,700	224,500	-0.1%	0.8%
Unemployment	14,600	12,900	13,700	6.2%	-6.2%
Rate (percent)	6.1	5.4	5.8

Contact: Leonidas Murembya, DLEG Regional Economic Analyst (517) 841-5634

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
LANSING MSA				month	year
(Clinton, Eaton, and
Ingham counties)
Civilian Labor Force	255,100	253,200	253,000	-0.1%	-0.8%
Total Employment	243,500	238,300	237,300	-0.4%	-2.5%
Unemployment	11,600	14,900	15,600	4.7%	34.5%
Rate (percent)	4.5	5.9	6.2

Contact: Jim Rhein, DLEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
SAGINAW - BAY - MIDLAND MSA				month	year
(Saginaw, Bay, Midland counties)
Civilian Labor Force	198,600	194,300	194,400	0.1%	-2.1%
Total Employment	182,600	181,000	180,400	-0.3%	-1.2%
Unemployment	15,900	13,300	14,000	5.3%	-11.9%
Rate (percent)	8.0	6.9	7.2

Contact: Jason Palmer, DLEG Regional Economic Analyst (989) 776-1508

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
UPPER PENINSULA LMA				month	year
(15 counties)
Civilian Labor Force	154,800	157,900	156,600	-0.8%	1.2%
Total Employment	143,300	150,200	146,300	-2.6%	2.1%
Unemployment	11,500	7,700	10,300	33.8%	-10.4%
Rate (percent)	7.4	4.9	6.6

Contact: Kathy Salow, DLEG Regional Economic Analyst (906) 226-3669

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
NORTHEAST LOWER MICHIGAN				month	year
(Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Crawford,
Iosco, Montmorency,Ogemaw, Oscoda,
Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon counties)
Civilian Labor Force	93,950	95,000	94,200	-0.8%	0.3%
Total Employment	84,525	88,975	85,925	-3.4%	1.7%
Unemployment	9,450	6,050	8,275	36.8%	-12.4%
Rate (percent)	10.1	6.4	8.8

Contact: Jim Rhein, DLEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
NORTHWEST LOWER MICHIGAN				month	year
(Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Benzie,
Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau,
Manistee, Missaukee, Wexford counties)
Civilian Labor Force	151,875	154,900	154,025	-0.6%	1.4%
Total Employment	139,850	146,200	143,075	-2.1%	2.3%
Unemployment	12,025	8,700	10,950	25.9%	-8.9%
Rate (percent)	7.9	5.6	7.1

Contact: Jim Rhein, DLEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

	Nov-03	Oct-04	Nov-04	% change	% change
MICHIGAN (Data in thousands)				month	year
Civilian Labor Force	5,084	5,097	5,096	-0.0%	0.2%
Total Employment	4,731	4,791	4,765	-0.5%	0.7%
Unemployment	352	307	331	7.8%	-6.0%
Rate (percent)	6.9	6.0	6.5

Contact: Jim Rhein, DLEG Economic Analyst (313) 456-3095

MICHIGAN COUNTIES RANKED BY UNEMPLOYMENT RATE - NOVEMBER 2004

1	WASHTENAW COUNTY	3.2	43	NEWAYGO COUNTY	7.3
2	LIVINGSTON COUNTY	3.6	44	HILLSDALE COUNTY	7.3
3	ISABELLA COUNTY	3.8	45	WEXFORD COUNTY	7.3
4	CASS COUNTY	3.9	46	ONTONAGON COUNTY	7.5
5	LEELANAU COUNTY	4.3	47	VAN BUREN COUNTY	7.5
6	BARRY COUNTY	4.3	48	CHIPPEWA COUNTY	7.5
7	HOUGHTON COUNTY	4.5	49	ST. CLAIR COUNTY	7.6
8	OAKLAND COUNTY	4.7	50	CHARLEVOIX COUNTY	7.6
9	KALAMAZOO COUNTY	4.8	51	TUSCOLA COUNTY	7.7
10	OTTAWA COUNTY	5.0	52	CRAWFORD COUNTY	7.8
11	MARQUETTE COUNTY	5.1	53	MANISTEE COUNTY	7.9
12	MONROE COUNTY	5.5	54	SAGINAW COUNTY	7.9
13	DICKINSON COUNTY	5.5	55	IONIA COUNTY	8.1
14	MENOMINEE COUNTY	5.6	56	OSCEOLA COUNTY	8.1
15	MIDLAND COUNTY	5.6	57	MUSKEGON COUNTY	8.1
16	ST JOSEPH COUNTY	5.7	58	BENZIE COUNTY	8.2
17	EATON COUNTY	5.7	59	IOSCO COUNTY	8.2
18	GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY	5.8	60	GENESEE COUNTY	8.3
19	MISSAUKEE COUNTY	5.8	61	WAYNE COUNTY	8.3
20	ALLEGAN COUNTY	6.1	62	OCEANA COUNTY	8.3
21	BRANCH COUNTY	6.1	63	SHIAWASSEE COUNTY	8.5
22	MACOMB COUNTY	6.1	64	MONTCALM COUNTY	8.5
23	KENT COUNTY	6.1	65	SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY	8.5
24	CLINTON COUNTY	6.2	66	ROSCOMMON COUNTY	8.7
25	IRON COUNTY	6.2	67	SANILAC COUNTY	8.7
26	ALGER COUNTY	6.3	68	GRATIOT COUNTY	8.7
27	GOGEBIC COUNTY	6.3	69	ANTRIM COUNTY	9.2
28	MECOSTA COUNTY	6.4	70	MASON COUNTY	9.3
29	JACKSON COUNTY	6.4	71	EMMET COUNTY	9.9
30	INGHAM COUNTY	6.4	72	PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY	10.1
31	LUCE COUNTY	6.5	73	GLADWIN COUNTY	10.3
32	BERRIEN COUNTY	6.5	74	ALCONA COUNTY	10.4
33	LENAWEE COUNTY	6.5	75	ARENAC COUNTY	10.5
34	CALHOUN COUNTY	6.7	76	LAKE COUNTY	11.2
35	ALPENA COUNTY	6.9	77	CHEBOYGAN COUNTY	11.2
36	OGEMAW COUNTY	6.9	78	CLARE COUNTY	11.2
37	HURON COUNTY	6.9	79	BARAGA COUNTY	12.2
38	DELTA COUNTY	6.9	80	OSCODA COUNTY	13.2
39	LAPEER COUNTY	7.2	81	MONTMORENCY COUNTY	13.9
40	KALKASKA COUNTY	7.2	82	MACKINAC COUNTY	14.6
41	BAY COUNTY	7.2	83	KEWEENAW COUNTY	17.7
42	OTSEGO COUNTY	7.3

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