April 1, 2008 - Seasonally unadjusted unemployment rates increased over the month in 13 of Michigan's 17 major labor market areas, according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth.  In February, total employment levels declined slightly in the majority of areas, while labor force levels were mixed throughout the regions.

"Labor markets in February displayed typical seasonal employment patterns," said Rick Waclawek, director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information & Strategic Initiatives.  "However, regional jobless rates have edged upward over the prior year."

From January to February, jobless rate increases in the 13 regions ranged from 0.1 to 0.6 of a percentage point with an average advance of only 0.3 of a percentage point.  The largest over-the-month hikes took place in both the Northeast and Northwest Lower Michigan Regions.

Unemployment rates declined over the month in four areas with the foremost reductions of around a half percentage point posted in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia and Monroe Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs).

Jobless Rates Up Since February 2007
From February 2007 to February 2008, unemployment rates increased in all 17 major labor market regions.  Rate advances ranged from 0.2 to 1.2 percentage points with a median hike of a half percentage point.

Total Employment Down Over Month, Year
From January to February, changes in total employment were for the most part minor.  Eleven areas recorded total employment declines averaging only 0.3 percent, while six regions registered modest gains.

Since February 2007, total employment declined in 16 regions, with a median drop of 1.5 percent.  Six of these areas reported employment cuts of 2.0 percent or greater.  Total employment rose in the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA over the year.

Labor Force Levels Mixed Over Month, Down Over Year
In February, area labor force levels were mixed, but little changed.  Work force levels edged upward over the month in eight areas, declined slightly in six regions and were essentially unchanged in the remaining three. 

From February 2007 to February 2008, labor force levels fell in 15 regions with an average decline of 1.0 percent.  The Niles-Benton Harbor MSA displayed a relatively large work force gain, while the labor force in the Muskegon-Norton Shores MSA edged upward over the year.

Seasonal Gains in Education Boost Payroll Employment
The monthly survey of employers indicated that seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs in Michigan increased by 17,000 in February to total 4,156,000.  A seasonal gain in government employment of 22,000 bolstered the statewide job totals.  Local government education (+11,000) and state government education (+9,000) increased with the continued return of students to colleges, universities and local schools after the holiday break.  The gains in local government education were evident statewide, while the increases in state government education were prominent in regions with major universities.

Jobs in Michigan's private sector declined slightly in February by 5,000 or 0.1 percent.  Seasonal reductions in trade, transportation and utilities (-8,000) and construction (-5,000) were partially offset by seasonal gains in private education (+5,000).  Other private sector industry sectors were little changed statewide in February.

From February 2007 to February 2008, seasonally unadjusted payroll jobs fell statewide by 57,000 or 1.4 percent.  Of the 12 major metropolitan areas in the state, ten reported job declines over the year while two displayed increases.  The majority of metropolitan areas recorded mostly moderate changes in payroll jobs since February 2007.  The largest over-the-year metro job losses were recorded in the Detroit-Warren-Livonia (-42,000), Flint (-5,000), and Saginaw-Saginaw Township North (-3,000) MSAs.  Payroll jobs increased sharply over the year in the Niles-Benton Harbor MSA, while the Muskegon-Norton Shores MSA reported a minor gain.

Over the year, manufacturing and construction jobs were down in most metropolitan areas, while jobs in health services were up in nearly all regions.

County Jobless Rates Up Over Month, Year
Sixty-eight of Michigan's 83 counties recorded seasonal jobless rate hikes in February, with a minor median increase of 0.4 of a percentage point.  In February, thirty-one of the state's counties recorded unemployment rates of 10.0 percent or higher.  Unemployment rates declined over the month in 12 counties and were unchanged in the remaining three.

From February 2007 to February 2008, unemployment rates were up in 75 of the state's counties.  Increases were wide ranging, but averaged a half percentage point. 

Note:  Data in this release is not seasonally adjusted.  As a result, employment and unemployment trends may differ from previously released Michigan seasonally adjusted data.

A breakdown of seasonally unadjusted February workforce estimates for Michigan and its 17 major labor market areas follows, along with a listing of county jobless rates for February.

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

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs.