LANSING, MI (AP)-- Michigan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dipped last month to match the national average.
The Michigan Department of Technology, Management & Budget released state and regional employment figures Wednesday.
July's statewide jobless rate was 5.3 percent, down two-tenths of a percentage point from June. It was 7 percent in July 2014.
The state says the number of unemployed in Michigan dropped by 12,000 last month.
Bureau of Labor Market Information and Strategic Initiatives Director Jason Palmer says the July jobless rate reduction "was primarily due to a minor decline in the number of individuals actively seeking work."
Gov. Rick Snyder says it's the lowest monthly rate for the state since August 2001. He says more than 420,000 private sector jobs and opportunities have been created since the end of 2010.
