Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development

OCTOBER UNEMPLOYMENT RATES RELEASED

MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today announced the state’s seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate for the month of October was 3.0 percent, down six tenths of a percentage point from the month of September.

"Labor market figures for October indicate that Wisconsin’s economy continues to look healthy with job gains over the month and year and near record-low unemployment for the month," said DWD Secretary Jennifer Reinert.

Unemployment, both before and after seasonal adjustment, declined sharply between September and October. The all-time record low on the adjusted basis, after several revisions, stands at the 2.8 percent recorded in the first two months of this year. October’s rate of 3.0 percent was only two tenths of a percentage point above the record low and one tenth above the year earlier 2.9 percent rate.

Total employment increased slightly more than normal for the September to October period while unemployment declined significantly at a time that a slight October rise would be normal. The major reason for the unemployment drop is a decline in the labor force with an assist from the growth in employment.

Over the year growth in the employment and labor force levels stand out. Unemployment is a bit higher, but still close to the all time low.

The non-farm wage and salary job count continues to grow with gains over the month and year. All major industry groups except government, and transportation and public utilities experienced increases. Declines in those two industries were very slight, limited to 100 jobs in each.

The national unemployment rate for the month of October was unchanged at 3.9 percent, marking the 153^rd consecutive month that Wisconsin’s unemployment rate has been lower than the national rate.

 
NOTE TO NEWS MEDIA

County employment and unemployment figures for October should be available by November 22. This release and other labor market information is available on the department Internet site at: http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/dwelmi

(end)