Branch County’s unemployment rate 5.3% in June, but still 14th lowest in the state

COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Branch County’s unemployment rate edged up in June, like many counties in the state.

Not seasonally adjusted unemployment rates rose in 14 of Michigan’s 18 labor market areas over the month, according to data released Thursday by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget.

“Michigan regional labor markets saw typical June unemployment rate increases,” said Wayne Rourke, labor market information director for the Michigan Center for Data and Analytics. “June nonfarm employment increased across the state.”

The June rate in Branch County in June was 5.3%, up from 5.0% in May and 4.5% in April. That ranked Branch County 14th out of Michigan’s 83 counties.

Calhoun County’s rate went from 6.2% in May to 6.7% in June. The June rate for Hillsdale County was 6.1%, with St. Joseph County at 5.9%.

Michigan June unemployment rates ranged from 3.4% in Livingston County to 10.7% in Oscoda County.