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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary-designee

Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 26, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

March Local Unemployment Data Breaks Records

Historically Low Unemployment Rates in 69 of State's 72 Counties Compared to March Data from Previous Years; Four Cities, Two Counties Also See All-time Lows

MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates of unemployment and employment statistics for Wisconsin metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for March 2023.

In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary March 2023 unemployment rates decreased in all 12 Wisconsin metro areas over the month. Over the year, all 12 Wisconsin metro areas had rates decrease. Appleton's rate of 1.9% tied its lowest unemployment rate – for any month – going back to January of 1990.
Municipalities: Preliminary March 2023 unemployment rates decreased in all of Wisconsin's 35 largest cities over the month. Over the year, 34 Wisconsin cities had unemployment rates decrease. Four cities tied or had all-time low unemployment rates since data collection began: Mequon (1.8%); Muskego (1.7%); Sheboygan (1.8%); and Stevens Point (1.9%).
Counties: Preliminary March 2023 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 72 Wisconsin counties over the month. Over the year, 72 Wisconsin counties had unemployment rates decrease. Menominee (3.7%) and Outagamie (1.9%) counties both tied or set record low unemployment rates for all months going back to 1990.

"The latest labor market data continues Wisconsin's historic economic performance, at both the local and state level," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "With record low unemployment statewide, we are redoubling our efforts to remove employment barriers such as transportation and childcare so that Wisconsinites can connect with jobs and expand career opportunities."

The data included in today's release can be accessed at Wisconomy.com.

View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary

ABOUT DWD

Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.