Overall unemployment rate moved down to 3.6% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 4,600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in November 2021.

Total employment in the Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI market declined by 8,099 jobs in September and the unemployment rate decreased compared to the prior month by 30 bps to 3.6%. The national unemployment rate decreased by 72 bps over the same time to 4.6%.

  • Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI unemployment rate is 96 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 170 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in September versus prior month by 7.8% 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 September 2021

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.1% . Key sectors include:

  • Manufacturing: 108,400; -1,700
  • Transportation & Utilities: 97,500; -2,000
  • Education & Healthcare: 93,800; +2,500
  • Business Services: 72,300; no change
  • Government: 48,200; +4,600
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 43,900; -1,900
  • Financial Services: 26,900; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 26,800; -800
  • Other Jobs: 20,500; -100
  • IT & Development: 5,600; no change
Grand Rapids-Wyoming, MI Unemployment by Industry September 2021

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through September 2021 (Data published November 2021 and reports created on November 3, 2021).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.