Detroit jobs, household income forecasted to rise, economists say

Household income and employment for Detroit residents are forecast to increase over the next four years, according to economists.

Detroit's unemployment rate will drop to just under 8% by 2023 and 2024, researchers with the University Economic Analysis partnership announced Monday.

About 6,700 more city residents are expected to find jobs with most in service sector areas. Total resident income is forecast to rise 4% to 4.7% per year through 2024.

Fiat Chrysler's new $2.5 billion assembly plant on Detroit's east side and the $4.4 billion Gordie Howe International Bridge project between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, Canada, should provide new job opportunities, according to University of Michigan economist Donald Grimes.

Detroit's unemployment was more than 18% in 2013 when the city filed for bankruptcy, researchers said. Figures for 2019 aren't yet available, but researchers expect the unemployment rate was about 8.6%.

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Financial and business services, and leisure and hospitality are expected to see the most jobs gains, while manufacturing is projected to remain Detroit's second-largest sector.

"Bringing new jobs to Detroit and filling them with Detroiters has been a cornerstone of the mayor's economic development strategy," Detroit Chief Financial Officer David Massaron said in a statement. "This independent forecast validates that strategy as we work to ensure Detroiters have opportunities for good jobs."

Detroit's median household income was about $31,000 in 2018 — up from about $26,000 in 2015. About 33% of Detroit residents lived below the poverty level in 2018.

"Detroit has vastly improved its financial position and prepared for any future financial hiccups by doubling its rainy-day fund," said Daniil Manaenkov, an economist at the University of Michigan. "Despite that progress, Detroit's economy continues to face well-known challenges, including an elevated poverty rate and relatively low educational attainment among its residents."