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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
May 24, 2023
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov

April Local Unemployment and Unemployment Data Released

Sixty counties report historically low April unemployment rates

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 April 2023.

In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary April 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 and La Crosse (1.8%) both tied their lowest unemployment rates for any month going back to January 1990. Green Bay tied its December 2022 rate of 2%.
Municipalities: Preliminary April 2023 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 28 of Wisconsin's 35 largest cities over the month. Over the year, 34 Wisconsin cities had unemployment rates decrease or stay the same. Seven cities tied or had all-time low unemployment rates since data collection began: De Pere (1.8%); Green Bay (2.1%); Janesville (2.4%); Manitowoc (2.2%); Muskego (1.6%); Neenah (1.6%) and Sun Prairie (1.6%).
Counties: Preliminary April 2023 unemployment rates show over-the-month unemployment rates declined or remained unchanged in 67 counties, with 60 counties reaching a new record low unemployment rate for April and 19 reaching or tying their lowest rates on record.

"Wisconsin's economy continues its historic performance with many local unemployment rates reaching new lows," said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek. "Through JobCenterofWisconsin.com and the efforts of our programs and partners, our workforce continues to gain in-demand skills while employers gain a competitive advantage in recruiting and retaining diverse talent."

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.