MADISON, Wis. — The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) on Tuesday released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary local employment and unemployment estimates for April 2025, reflecting monthly declines in jobless rates across much of the state even as most areas posted higher rates compared to the same time last year.
According to the nonseasonally adjusted data:
- Metropolitan Areas: Unemployment rates fell in all 13 of Wisconsin’s metropolitan statistical areas from March to April. However, each metro area reported a higher unemployment rate compared to April 2024.
- Major Cities: Of the state’s 35 largest cities, 31 saw a monthly decline in unemployment rates. Rates rose in three cities and held steady in Fitchburg. Over the year, unemployment increased in 33 cities, remained unchanged in New Berlin, and declined in Fitchburg.
- Counties: Jobless rates decreased in 69 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties over the month. Compared to April 2024, unemployment dropped in four counties, was unchanged in two, and rose in the remaining 66 counties.
The DWD emphasized that the figures are preliminary and not seasonally adjusted. Detailed data and historical comparisons are available at Wisconomy.com.
