LANSING – Unemployment rates were mixed in Southwest Michigan for the month of November.

Data released by the Michigan Department of Technology, Management, and Budget shows that St. Joseph County had an increase in their unemployment of one-tenth of a percent, going from 4.2 in October to 4.3 in November.

Branch County has the largest increase in the area, going from 4.1 to 4.3 percent, a growth of two-tenths of a percent.

Cass County and Hillsdale County remained the same from October to November. Cass County stayed at 4.4 percent while Hillsdale County remained at 4.1 percent.

Statewide in Michigan, the unemployment rate increased six-tenths of a percent, going from 5.7 in October to 6.3 percent in November. Wayne Rourke, Associate Director of the Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives says the unemployment rate reductions seen in Michigan in November were due to fewer persons active in the labor market. He says payroll jobs generally rose in November in retail trade and declined in leisure and hospitality in Michigan metro areas.