BRANCH COUNTY, MI (WTVB) – Branch County’s unemployment rate went back up to four percent during the month of May according to data released on Thursday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget as more people got into the workforce around the state.
Branch County’s unemployment rate went sharply down in April to three-point-two percent after being at four-point-six percent in March and at four-point-nine percent in February and January.
Labor force gains were listed as the reason why regional unemployment rates up during May.
Labor Market Information Director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics Wayne Rourke says, “Regional jobless rates advanced in May as residents began entering the summer job market. Payroll employment rose in most metro areas over the month.”
Labor force levels increased in all 17 Michigan labor market areas over the month as not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased in 16 of the markets.
St. Joseph and Hillsdale County’s unemployment rate went up to four-point-four percent in May while it was four-point-six percent in Calhoun County.
Michigan’s May unemployment rate dropped a tenth of a percent to three-point-seven percent.
Unemployment rates around Michigan in May ranged from two-point-four percent in Livingston County to eight-point-seven percent in Ontonagon County.
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