Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.9% with the biggest shift in Manufacturing, which gained 1,200 roles, based on the most recently available information published in September 2021.

Total employment in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI market rose by 494 jobs in August and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 60 bps to 3.9%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 38 bps over the same time to 5.3%.

  • Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI unemployment rate is 139 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 200 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in August versus prior month by 6.8% and are up compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI Unemployment August 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Manufacturing: 110,300; +1,200
  • Transportation & Utilities: 99,700; +800
  • Education & Healthcare: 91,000; -600
  • Business Services: 72,400; +800
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 45,300; +400
  • Government: 43,400; +300
  • Construction, Mining: 27,600; +200
  • Financial Services: 26,800; -100
  • Other Jobs: 20,600; -200
  • IT & Development: 5,600; no change
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI Unemployment by Industry August 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through August 2021 (Data published September 2021 and reports created on September 29, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.