Wisconsin releases comprehensive unemployment data

Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman on March 7 announced that unemployment rates rose in January on a monthly basis in each of Wisconsin’s 12 metropolitan statistical areas, a normal occurrence from December to January. The highest metro area rate was 6.8 percent in the Janesville MSA, while the lowest was 3.9 percent in the Madison MSA.

"While normal seasonal influences caused unemployment rates to rise in many areas of the state, the job growth in ten of the state’s metropolitan areas reveals overall good health of Wisconsin’s labor market,” Secretary Gassman said.

The total nonfarm job tallies in each of the 12 metro areas were lower in January compared to December. January typically shows the highest seasonal decrease, usually 2 to 3 percent, in total jobs on monthly basis. The Eau Claire, Madison and Janesville metro areas each measured monthly net job decreases over 3 percent; the largest changes among the state’s metro areas. The Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA and the Sheboygan MSA posted decreases below 2 percent for the smallest decline from December to January.

Compared to last January there was net job growth in ten of the 12 metro areas. The largest numeric growth was in the Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA with 11,100 jobs and the Madison MSA with 3,100 more jobs. Eau Claire, Appleton and Racine posted the greatest percentage growth, respectively, each measuring at least 1.5 percent more jobs, annually.

Counties

The highest county unemployment rate was 10.1 percent in Iron County, and the lowest was 3.6 percent in Dane County. Each of the state’s 72 counties posted an increased unemployment rate on a monthly-change basis. The largest monthly increase was a 2.6 percent point jump in Polk County for a January rate of 8.3 percent. The smallest increase was evident in Washington County, up five — tenths of a percent point. Two counties’ rates, Dane and Ozaukee, were under 4 percent and a total of 11 counties were 5 percent or lower.

Compared to January 2006, 66 counties had higher unemployment rates; two were unchanged; and four were lower. The statewide rate was four-tenths higher over the year. Menominee County posted the largest annual decrease with a rate that was one full percentage point lower. The three other counties with lower rates, annually, were Green Lake, Washburn and Door counties.

Employment and Labor Force

Place of Residence Data

Unadjusted labor force estimates

Adjusted labor force estimates

Unadjusted Unemployment Rate, by WI Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA)

Place of Work Data

Nonfarm wage and salary estimates, by WI Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), in thousands