The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development issued U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates on employment and unemployment for the state’s metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties for February 2025 on Wednesday.
The nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin reveals:
Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Unemployment rates for February 2025 rose between 0.1 and 0.3 percentage points in 12 of the 13 metropolitan areas from January to February; one area showed no change. All 13 areas saw higher unemployment rates compared to February 2024.
Municipalities: Among Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities, February 2025 unemployment rates held steady in five from January to February; La Crosse saw a decrease, while the other 29 recorded increases. Over the year, rates climbed in 33 cities, stayed unchanged in Neenah, and dropped in La Crosse.
Counties: From January to February 2025, unemployment rates fell in 10 counties, remained stable in four, and rose in 58. Compared to February 2024, rates declined in four counties, held steady in four, and increased in 64.
