Overall unemployment rate stayed flat at 3.8% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 600 roles, based on the most recently available information published in December 2022.

Total employment in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI market declined by 1,465 jobs in October and the unemployment rate stayed flat. The national unemployment rate increased by 8 bps over the same time to 3.4%.

  • Kalamazoo-Portage, MI unemployment rate is 40 bps above the national rate which is a negative sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is equal to the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in October versus prior month by 4% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Unemployment October 2022

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 0.8% . Key sectors include:

  • Transportation & Utilities: 25,600; -200
  • Education & Healthcare: 25,500; +200
  • Manufacturing: 24,100; no change
  • Government: 19,800; +600
  • Business Services: 17,700; +300
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 15,100; +100
Kalamazoo-Portage, MI Unemployment by Industry October 2022

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through October 2022 (Data published December 2022 and reports created on December 2, 2022).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.