LANSING, MI (WHTC-AM/FM, Dec. 17, 2025) – It may be more than a month since the federal government shutdown ended, but for those who rely somewhat on Washington for statistics, they are just catching up now.
On Tuesday, the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget released not seasonally-adjusted jobless rates statewide for the month of September. This report normally comes at the end of October, not six weeks later than that, and while the agency didn’t explain a reason for this delay, it can be implied that the federal government shutdown was a factor.
In these latest figures, Ottawa County unemployment stood at 3.7 percent for September, tied for fifth lowest in Michigan with Leelanau County. This compares to 4.6 percent in August, and 3.3 percent for September of 2024.
As for Allegan County, it was among eight counties whose jobless rate stood at 3.9 percent for September. This compares to 4.6 percent in August, and 3.4 percent for September of 2024.
Statewide, unemployment dipped in 17 of Michigan’s 18 major labor market areas in September, and 77 of the state’s 83 counties displayed jobless rate declines over the month. Agency officials say that these declines were typical for this time of year, and seasonal hiring for the start of school contributed to regional payroll job gains.
Whether these not seasonally-adjusted jobless rate figures for October or November will be made available later this month remains to be seen.
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