16 Facts About Michigan's Economy That May Surprise You

Michigan's unique geography and history have shaped its economic landscape. Beyond the Great Lakes and its 12th-largest population lies a diverse and thriving economy. 

From auto manufacturing to agriculture, tourism to retail, Michigan's residents have learned to get ahead financially in countless ways. 

Uncover 16 surprising facts that paint a vivid picture of this dynamic state's economic engine.

While retail and other sectors have made recent gains, manufacturing is still responsible for the lion’s share of Michigan’s GDP. It was responsible for $124.1 billion in the last year.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Michigan employs more automotive production workers than any other state at 166,200. This includes employees who manufacture motor vehicles as well as motor vehicle parts.

Auto manufacturing is an important element of Michigan’s economy, but metal machinery, chemicals, and food are also key products that the Great Lakes State produces.

Kellogg’s and Post both have their roots in Battle Creek, Michigan. The town is known today as “Cereal City.”

The moderate temperatures and sandy soils near the Great Lakes are ideal for growing asparagus. 

According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Michigan growers harvest approximately 26 million pounds of this vegetable annually.

According to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, the state added 124,000 workers between March and October 2023. This made it the fourth state in the nation in labor force growth and first among Midwestern states.

Household names like Ford, General Motors, Whirlpool, Ally Financial, Dow Chemical, and Penske are all headquartered in the Great Lakes State. Six of the 17 companies are in the mobility and automotive manufacturing sector.

Calcite Quarry near Rogers City is the largest carbonate mine in the world. The rocks are mined and processed to make crushed aggregate, building stone, soil additives, and more.

While it’s not as big of an economic driver as manufacturing, tourism is responsible for $48.5 billion of spending in Michigan. This is close to pre-pandemic levels. Tourism in Michigan supports 324,200 jobs, according to a report for the Michigan Office of Tourism.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity declared May Professional Trades Month to honor those in these fields. 

Michigan is estimated to have over half a million jobs, with 47,000 openings in trade positions by 2028.

Unless you don’t count Washington, D.C.; in that case, it’s 6th. Michigan’s unemployment rate is 4.3%. The U.S. overall unemployment rate is 3.7%, so the difference is marked but not massive.

While we think of automakers in Michigan, the most recent GDP gains were in the retail and information industries. Retail grew a whopping 23% in Q3 2023, followed closely by information at 22%.

According to an article from the Lansing Journal, the Great Lakes State is responsible for growing over 1.55 million Christmas trees. 

Popular varieties include the Scotch pine, white pine, blue spruce, and more. These festive trees are shipped to families across the country for holiday celebrations.

If you love Domino’s or Little Caesars pizza, you have Michigan to thank. Mike and Marian Ilitch started Little Caesars in Garden City in 1959. 

A year later, brothers Tom and James Monaghan bought a pizzeria for $900 in Ypsilanti that would become Domino’s.

The University of Michigan had the fourth-highest expenditures on athletics of FBS teams in the nation at $210.7 million, behind Alabama, Texas, and Ohio State. However, its profit was also the fourth highest at $17 million.

Detroit hosted two playoff games in January 2024, which brought $20 million apiece in local business revenue. These events helped Uber drivers, stadium workers, bartenders, and restaurant employees make extra money.

Beyond the impressive statistics and Fortune 500 companies lie the true drivers of Michigan's economic success: its people. 

From visionary entrepreneurs to dedicated workers, generations of Michiganians have built and continue to build wealth and a thriving economy. 

Their stories, their grit, and their passion are what truly make the Great Lakes State great.