LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Jan. 2, 2025) – There were a few more people reportedly out of work along the Lakeshore in November than in October, and apparently a lot more than a year ago.
In non-seasonally adjusted unemployment numbers released on Thursday morning by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, joblessness in Ottawa County stood at 3.4 percent for the 11th month of 2024. That was the second lowest among the state’s 83 counties, bettered only by Livingston County’s 3.3 percent; was a tenth of a percentage point higher than October’s mark, and was nearly a full percentage point worse than November of 2023’s level of 2.5 percent.
Neighboring Allegan County saw a similar jobless trend for November. It’s 3.7 percent rate tied it with Washtenaw County for the sixth lowest in Michigan, with similar increases month-over-month and year-over-year to that of Ottawa County.
Overall, these unemployment rates increased in 69 Michigan counties for the month and all 83 counties for the year. Among the major labor markets in the state, the Grand Rapids-Wyoming MSA (which includes Ottawa County) stayed steady at 3.6 percent for November of 2024, and was a full percentage point higher than a year ago.
State officials cite “workforce advances across most labor market areas over the month” as the biggest reason for the rise in unemployment for November. A link to the latest MDTMB report is here.
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