COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County’s unemployment rate went up one percent in October 2016 to 4.8 percent.
According to figures released by the State of Michigan, the rate reflects a slight drop in the labor force to 18,900 and a 200 person increase from September in the number of those who are unemployed in Branch County’s labor force. That number is now 925 labor force members who can not find work.
Hillsdale County’s jobless rate went up to 5.1 percent in October while St. Joseph County’s rate went up to 3.9 percent and unemployment in Calhoun County went up to 4.2 percent.
State officials say the unemployment increase in October is typical because the summer tourists go home and some construction jobs end.
Unemployment rates throughout West Michigan are still below state and national levels.
