LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Apr. 24, 2025) – It was a mixed bag of results in the latest unemployment figures for March along the Lakeshore and across the state.
In data disclosed on Thursday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget, not seasonally-adjusted jobless rates fell in 16 of the state’s major labor market areas for March, and in 75 of its 83 counties.
The Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood MSA, which includes Ottawa County, went down a tenth of a percentage point at 4.8 percent, 1.2 percent more than a year ago. Civilian labor force numbers remained virtually steady at 629,400.
Ottawa County itself had a jobless hike of a tenth of a percentage point to 4.6 percent, and that level is 1.6 percent higher than at this time in 2024. Allegan County, which is in no major labor market area, had a 5.3 percent unemployment rate, down four tenths from February, and nearly two percentage points more than 12 months ago.
State agency officials say that labor markets were relatively stable last month, although unemployment levels remain higher, and total payroll jobs increased in most areas, with several industries showing strong seasonal gains.
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