Branch County continues to show some small growth, with an increase of more than 50 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between May 2021 and June 2021, the unemployment rate held steady, while the labor force participation rate and employment-to-population ratio increased. This is likely a sign that individuals are reentering the labor market but not necessarily finding jobs right away. Job postings were higher in June than in May, with truck driver as the most in-demand job.

Calhoun County continues to show small growth, gaining more than 100 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between May 2021 and June 2021, the unemployment rate, employment-to-population ratio, and labor force participation rate were all unchanged. This is likely a sign that individuals are not reentering the labor market. Job postings were lower in June than in May, with truck driver as the most in-demand job.

Kalamazoo County continues to rebound, gaining more than 2,000 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between May 2021 and June 2021, the unemployment rate, employment-to-population ratio, and labor force participation rate all increased. This is likely a sign that individuals are reentering the labor market but not necessarily finding jobs right away. Job postings were higher in June than in May, with registered nurse as the most in-demand job.

St. Joseph County lost more than 150 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between May 2021 and June 2021, the unemployment rate fell, while the labor force participation rate and employment-to-population ratio increased. This is likely a sign that individuals are reentering the labor market and finding work swiftly. Job postings were lower in June than in May, with manufacturing machine operator as the most in-demand job.

The Trend: The Michigan Works! Southwest Region continues to recover, gaining more than 2,000 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between April 2021 and May 2021, the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate increased, while the employment-to-population ratio stayed the same. This is likely a sign that individuals are reentering the labor market but not necessarily finding jobs right away. Job postings were higher in May than in April, with more postings in manufacturing.

The Trend: Branch County continues to show some small growth, with an increase of more than 50 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between April 2021 and May 2021, the unemployment rate, labor force participation rate, and employment-to-population ratio increased. This is likely a sign that individuals are reentering the labor market but not necessarily finding jobs right away. Job postings were lower in May than in April, with
fewer postings in retail trade and manufacturing.

The Trend: Calhoun County continues to show small growth, gaining more than 100 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between April 2021 and May 2021, the unemployment rate, employment-to-population ratio, and labor force participation rate increased. This is likely a sign that individuals are reentering the labor market but not necessarily finding jobs right away. Job postings were higher in May than in April, with more postings in manufacturing and retail trade.

The Trend: Kalamazoo County continues to rebound, gaining more than 2,000 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between April 2021 and May 2021, the unemployment rate, employment-to-population ratio, and labor force participation rate increased. This is likely a sign that individuals are reentering the labor market, but not necessarily finding jobs right away. Job postings were higher in May than in April, with more postings in health care and social assistance, as well as accommodation and food services.

The Trend: St. Joseph County lost more than 150 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between April 2021 and May 2021, the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate both increased, while the employment-to-population ratio decreased. This is likely a sign that employment in the area is declining, but individuals are staying in the labor market and looking for other job opportunities. Job postings were higher in May than in April, with slightly more postings in manufacturing and accommodation and food services.

The Trend: The Michigan Works! Southwest Region continues to recover, having gained more than 2,000 jobs from Q3 2020 to Q4 2020. Between March and April, the unemployment rate, employment-to-population ratio, and labor force participation rate all decreased. This is likely a sign that individuals are discouraged from finding work and are leaving the labor force.