January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released
Summary
Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released BLS estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, municipalities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026. Unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas, all 35 largest cities, and all 72 counties compared to the prior month.
What changed
Wisconsin DWD released BLS estimates of January 2026 employment and unemployment statistics for Wisconsin metropolitan areas, municipalities, and counties. Unemployment rates increased across all 13 metropolitan statistical areas, all 35 largest cities, and all 72 counties compared to the prior month. Year-over-year, rates decreased in 2 cities and 7 counties while increasing in 32 cities and 61 counties respectively. The data is available at Wisconomy.com. This statistical release provides labor market context but does not create compliance obligations for employers or other entities.
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Apr 8, 2026GovPing captured this document from the original source. If the source has since changed or been removed, this is the text as it existed at that time.
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Tony Evers, Governor
Amy Pechacek, Secretary
Department of Workforce Development
Secretary's Office
201 E. Washington Avenue
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707-7946
Telephone: (608) 266-3131
Fax: (608) 266-1784
Email: sec@dwd.wisconsin.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Apr. 8, 2026
CONTACT: DWD Communications
CommunicationsOffice@dwd.wisconsin.gov
January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development today released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026.
In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:
- Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary January 2026 unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the month. Rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the year.
- Municipalities: Preliminary January 2026 unemployment rates increased in all of Wisconsin's 35 largest cities over the month. Unemployment rates decreased in two cities over the year. Rates increased in 32 cities over the year and stayed the same in the one remaining city.
- Counties: Preliminary January 2026 unemployment rates increased in all 72 counties over the month. Unemployment rates decreased in seven counties over the year. Rates increased in 61 counties over the year and stayed the same in the four remaining counties. Additional information about the data included in the release is available at Wisconomy.com.
View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary
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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.
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201 E. Washington Ave
P.O. Box 7946
Madison, WI 53707
(608) 266-3131
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