Ann Arbor area has lowest unemployment in Michigan at 5 percent

The county has the lowest joblessness rate in the state. A year ago, about 6 percent of county residents were unemployed.

Joblessness statewide in April is at 8 percent - compared with 10.1 percent in April 2011, according to figures released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget.

State labor analysts say April's drop was typical with seasonal hiring throughout most of the state.

Washtenaw County's low unemployment rate has recently been touted as making the area attractive to recently-graduated students.

The reductions were highest in the northernmost labor markets as hiring began for the summer tourism season.

Nationwide, the unemployment rate is at 7.7 percent - and eight of Michigan’s major metropolitan regions are at or below that level.

The five Michigan counties with the lowest unemployment are:

• Washtenaw, 5 percent
• Clinton, 5.4 percent
• Barry, 5.8 percent
• Eaton, 6.0 percent
• Isabella, 6.1 percent

The five Michigan counties with the highest unemployment are:

• Baraga, 16.3 percent
• Montmorency, 15.3 percent
• Presque Isle, 15.1 percent
• Mackinac, 14.1 percent
• Oscoda, 13.9 percent