METRO AREAS
MADISON – Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman today announced September 2007 unemployment rates for the state’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSA).
“Falling in line with September statewide labor market statistics, each of Wisconsin’s 12 Metropolitan Statistical Areas and all 72 counties experienced a drop or no change in their unemployment rate last month, providing welcome news for Wisconsin workers and their families,” Secretary Gassman said.
Unemployment rates decreased in each of the state’s 12 metropolitan statistical areas (MSA) on a monthly basis in September. The greatest reduction in unemployment rate – six-tenths of a percentage point – occurred in two MSAs, Fond du Lac and Racine. The Madison MSA had the lowest rate in September, 3.5 percent, and Racine was the highest at 5.6 percent.
Preliminary nonfarm wage and salary jobs increased over-the-month in six metro areas, decreased in four metro areas, and remained the same in two. The Eau Claire MSA added 1,200 jobs for the greatest increase, followed by the La Crosse MSA, which added 800 jobs in September. The Appleton MSA saw the greatest loss, decreasing 800 jobs.
The over-the-year comparison of job estimates shows an increase in 11 of Wisconsin’s 12 MSAs. The Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis MSA led the growth, gaining 10,400 jobs, and the Appleton MSA gained the second most with 3,100 more jobs compared to one year ago. The Janesville MSA showed an annual decline of 300 jobs.
COUNTIES
Unemployment rates decreased in 70 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties in September, while two were unchanged. No counties recorded over-the month increases from August to September. The largest decrease was in Menominee, which dropped 4.4 percentage points to 10 percent. Vilas and Florence counties were unchanged at 4.5 and 5.5 percent respectively.
Annually, 60 counties had higher rates compared to September 2006, eight counties were unchanged, and four had lower rates. The greatest increase, 1.3 percentage points, occurred in Burnett County, while the greatest decrease, eight-tenths of a percentage point, occurred in Iron County.
