Report finds 40% of Michiganders struggle to pay for basic needs

LANSING, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A new report from the Michigan League for Public Policy finds residents of the state are struggling.

The Labor Day Snapshot says 40% of state residents are having issues paying for everyday basic needs.

That’s despite the inflation-adjusted median wage in the state increasing slightly in 2025 from $23.61 to $23.69 an hour.

MLPP communications director Laura Ross says wage growth has lagged below inflation for several years and only recently started to outpace inflation.