MADISON, Wis. — Unemployment rates across Wisconsin’s metropolitan areas, cities, and counties displayed varied trends in July 2025, according to a Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development report released Wednesday, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates.
In metropolitan statistical areas, preliminary nonseasonally adjusted unemployment rates for July 2025 dropped in Sheboygan but rose in seven other areas, including Milwaukee-Waukesha, which increased from 3.6% in June to 3.7%. Five metro areas saw no change. Over the year, rates fell in three metro areas, rose in four, and remained steady in six.
Among Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities, unemployment rates decreased in 11, increased in 14, and held steady in 10. Milwaukee’s rate rose from 4.6% in June to 4.8%, while Madison’s stayed at 2.7%, among the state’s lowest. Over the year, 16 cities saw lower rates, 15 saw increases, and four were unchanged.
At the county level, unemployment rates fell in 16 counties, rose in 37, and remained unchanged in 19. Lafayette County reported the lowest rate at 2.4%, while Menominee County had the highest at 7.2%. Over the year, 28 counties saw declines, 19 saw increases, and 25 were unchanged.
