Much of Wisconsin saw unemployment decrease or stay the same in February

On Friday, March 31, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates of unemployment and employment statistics for Wisconsin metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties for February 2023.

In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

  • Metropolitan statistical areas — Preliminary February 2023 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in six of 12 Wisconsin metro areas over the month. Over the year, all 12 Wisconsin metro areas had rates decrease.
  • Municipalities — Preliminary February 2023 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 23 of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities over the month. Over the year, 34 Wisconsin cities had unemployment rates decrease or stay the same.
  • Counties — Preliminary February 2023 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 31 of 72 Wisconsin counties over the month. Over the year, 68 of 72 Wisconsin counties had unemployment rates decrease or stay the same.