Unemployment rate decreases to 3.9%, below 4% for the third period of time during Governor Whitmer’s tenure, and Michigan’s workforce rises at a rate more than double of the national rate year over year   

LANSING, Mich. — Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer issued the following statement on the latest economic data showing Michigan’s unemployment rate fell to 3.9% in  February. Michigan’s labor force grew by 1.9% over the year, more than double the rate at which the national labor force grew over the same period of time.    

“Michiganders are working hard as our economy continues to grow.   

 “With a low unemployment rate and strong labor force growth over the past year, Michigan has the momentum. More people are working, businesses are expanding, and commercial districts and restaurants are buzzing as we start spring and get ready for warmer weather just around the corner.    

“My partners in the Michigan Legislature and I will keep working together to grow and diversify our economy by focusing on the kitchen-table issues that make a real difference in people’s lives. We will keep competing to bring good-paying jobs home, build more housing, fix more roads, support students and workers, and lower costs for working families.    

“Let’s keep working together to move Michigan forward.”   

A Strong Jobs Report 

• Michigan’s jobless rate matched the U.S. rate (3.9%) during February 2024.  
• The statewide unemployment level receded by 2.0% over the month, while the national unemployment total expanded by 5.5% since January.  

• Michigan’s workforce rose by 1.9% over the year, an increase over double the labor force increase seen nationally (+0.7%).  
• According to the monthly survey of employers, Michigan seasonally adjusted nonfarm employment rose by 15,000, or 0.3%, resulting in a job total of 4,472,000 in February.    

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