Regional Economic Trends Archive

The Trend: Calhoun County employment increased from Q1 2021 to Q2 2021 by more than 937 jobs. Between September and October, the labor force participation rate and employment-to-population ratio increased while the unemployment rate fell. This is likely a sign that unemployed individuals are finding work. Job postings were higher in October than in September, with registered nurse as the most in-demand job.

The Trend: Branch County employment grew from Q1 2021 to Q2 2021,
experiencing an increase of 201 jobs. Between September and October,
the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate fell while
the employment-to-population ratio increased. This is likely a sign that
unemployed individuals are either finding work or leaving the labor market
entirely. Job postings were higher in October than in September, with retail
sales associate as the most in-demand job.

The Trend: Branch County employment declined, with a decrease of 231 jobs from Q4 2020 to Q1 2021. Between July and August, the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate fell, and the employment-to-population ratio increased. This is likely a sign that unemployed individuals are either leaving the labor market or finding work. Job postings were higher in August than in July, with truck driver as the most in-demand job.

The Trend: Calhoun County employment fell from Q4 2020 to Q1 2021 by over 775 jobs. Between July and August, the unemployment rate, the labor force participation rate, and the employment-to-population ratio all fell. This is likely a sign that unemployed individuals are leaving the labor force. Job postings were lower in August than in July, with registered nurse as the most in-demand job.

The Trend: Kalamazoo County lost nearly 1,400 jobs from Q4 2020 to Q1 2021. Between July and August, the unemployment rate and labor force participation rate fell, while the employment-to-population ratio increased slightly. This is likely a sign that unemployed individuals are either finding work or leaving the labor force. Job postings were higher in August than in July, with retail sales associate as the most in-demand job.

The Trend: St. Joseph County lost nearly 400 jobs from Q4 2020 to Q1 2021. From July to August, the unemployment rate fell while the labor force participation rate and employment-to-population ratio increased. This is likely a sign that unemployed individuals are finding work. Job postings were higher in August than in July, with retail sales associate as the most in-demand job.