Michigan jobless rate dips slightly to 15 percent

LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s monthly unemployment rate has dropped for the first time in more than a year.

But good news is relative when it comes to the state’s economy. The 15 percent seasonally adjusted jobless rate for July, announced Wednesday, likely will remain the highest in the nation.

Michigan’s unemployment rate has been the worst in the U.S. for 26 of the last 27 months. In comparison, the national unemployment rate for July was 9.4 percent.

The state’s jobless rate was down from 15.2 percent in June, the highest level since early 1983. State officials said hiring in the hotel industry, nursing and residential care helped stabilize the rate last month.

Michigan’s unemployment rate hadn’t dropped since June 2008. A year ago, it was 8.3 percent.