June 2007 Local Unemployment Rates Announced

METRO AREAS


MADISON – Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced June 2007 unemployment rates for the state’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSA). 


 


“Wisconsin experienced job growth and higher unemployment across much of the state in June as is the norm for this time of year,” Secretary Gassman said.  “This occurs when schools dismiss for summer break and seasonal workers flood the job market seeking summer employment.”  


 


Unemployment rates increased in June for each of the state’s 12 metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) on a monthly basis.  The largest increase was seven-tenths of a percentage point, which occurred in three areas – the Fond du Lac, Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, and Wausau MSAs.  The Janesville MSA posted the smallest increase, one-tenth of a percentage point to 5.7 percent.  The highest metro area unemployment rate was 6.3 percent in the Racine MSA and the lowest was 4.1 percent recorded in the three-county Madison MSA. 


 


The preliminary nonfarm wage and salary job counts rose on a net basis in all but one of the metro areas.  The Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA added 10,800 jobs for the greatest increase, followed by the Madison MSA, which added 4,400 jobs since May.  The sole MSA to post lower job totals was Eau Claire, which showed a loss of 300.


 


The annual job tallies show an increase in eight MSAs and a decrease in four. The Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA led the growth, gaining 11,000 jobs, and the Madison MSA gained the second most with 8,100 more jobs compared to one year ago.  The Sheboygan MSA’s net decrease of 600 jobs represented the biggest metro area decline.


 


COUNTIES


The unemployment rates for 59 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties increased in June on a monthly basis, following the statewide and metro area pattern.  Nine counties’ rates decreased and four remained unchanged over the month.  Menominee County had the largest monthly increase, rising 4.7 percentage points, while Florence County dropped one-half percentage point for the largest decrease.  The highest county-level unemployment rate was Menominee County’s 13.9 percent, while Dane County posted the lowest at 3.9 percent.


 


Annually, 64 counties had higher rates compared to June 2006; one county was unchanged; and seven had lower rates.  Rates in Calumet and Taylor County rose 1.1 percentage points – the largest increase – and Price County’s rate dropped 1.3 percentage points – the largest decrease.