Area News Headlines
These news headlines brought to you by these fine sponsors:
Michigan's Unemployment Rate Unchanged For March
Russ Survance
Thu, 30 Apr 2026 13:15:29 EDT
 |
click on the picture to enlarge
|
Michigan's unemployment rate held steady in March, marking five straight months at 5 %, according to new figures from the state.
Data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget shows payrolls grew modestly, but overall employment declined by about 13,000 jobs. The number of people unemployed was unchanged, while the state's labor force shrank by roughly 14,000.
State labor analysts say the flat jobless rate reflects a continued drop in the number of people actively working or looking for work. Gains in payroll jobs last month helped offset losses earlier in the year, though total employment across industries dipped slightly during the first quarter.
Nationally, the unemployment rate ticked down to 4.3 % in March, leaving Michigan about seven-tenths of a point higher than the U.S. average. Over the past year, however, Michigan's rate has improved slightly, while the national figure edged up.
The state's workforce has now declined for three straight months, down about 30,000 since December. Michigan's labor force participation rate slipped to 60.3 %, and the share of residents employed also dipped slightly.
Meanwhile, a separate survey of employers shows Michigan added about 5,000 nonfarm jobs in March. The largest gains came in professional and business services, along with a rebound in leisure and hospitality employment.
However, job losses continued in trade, transportation, and utilities, a sector that has shed positions for several months. Over the past year, government and health services posted the strongest gains, while manufacturing and trade recorded the biggest declines.
Overall, statewide employment slipped slightly between the end of 2025 and the first quarter of this year.
