Recent Comments
- John Polk said “I knew Charles when he was EVP of The Atlanta Chamber and I worked for ...” on Memories of Oklahoma City circa 1993
- John Polk said “Back in the mid-80's and early 90's, Cleveland was actually recognized as one of the ...” on Economic development in NEO: A view from the street-level
- John Polk said “Is there any way to substantiate Dimora's claim re: GCP and the PD, other than ...” on Cleveland’s new development dynamic?
- George Nemeth said “Like all glimmers of newness in CLE+ I expect this one to be crushed too” on Cleveland’s new development dynamic?
- Cleveland’s new development dynamic? | Brewed Fresh Daily said “[...] by Ohio voters, as gambling interests convert the Ohio constitution into a zoning ordinance. ...” on Ohio’s casino deal gets a bit more messy
- About BDP Comments
Meta
Micki Maynard · Michigan’s Unemployment Rate Below 10% for 1st Time Since 2008
December 14th, 2011
Michigan has at times had the highest unemployment rate in the nation, peaking above 14 percent in 2009. But today, state officials said the November rate dropped below 10 percent for the first time in three years, although the decline is primarily due to fewer people seeking jobs.
The jobless rate was 9.8 percent last month, according to the state Department of Technology, Management and Budget. A year ago, the jobless rate was 11.4 percent.
Michigan’s unemployment rate compares with a national rate of 8.6 percent, but state officials say the unemployment rate in Michigan has dropped by a full percentage point since this past August.
It was the lowest rate for Michigan since October, 2008, when the rate stood at 9.4 percent. The following month, the state unemployment rate rose above 10 percent, and has been in double digits ever since.
But as with the national situation, fewer people in Michigan are seeking full-time employment. State officials said the labor force dropped by 88,000 workers in November, the eighth straight month in which the number of people employed had dropped.
Ten years ago, Michigan’s workforce (including those employed and unemployed) stood at nearly 5.2 million people, and the unemployment rate was 4.6 percent. Last month, the state’s total workforce stood at 4.6 million, with 9.8 percent out of work.
However, Michigan officials said recent job growth has taken place in business services, manufacturing and health care.
Detroit’s unemployment rate fell to to 11.2 percent, the lowest for the area since March. State officials said the workforce declined by 11,000 workers between October and November. In the past year, 37,000 people have left the workforce.
