Nine counties in Wisconsin are currently boasting record low unemployment rates, according to a report from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD). These counties are Ashland, Bayfield, Burnett, Sawyer, Door, Langlade, Oconto, Pepin, and Rock, with other counties in Northwest Wisconsin showing significant improvement as well. The unemployment rates ranged from a low of 1.9 percent to a high of 2.7 percent in September 2024.

DWD reported that Wisconsin has also enjoyed five months of record employment, with an unprecedented number of workers active in the local economy. Gov. Tony Evers credited the impressive figures to the hard work of the state’s workforce, noting that the records represent the success of working families, businesses, and communities in the state. The state is also focusing on reducing barriers to work, including offering programs in job training, childcare, transit, housing, and more.

The DWD subsequently released data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for September 2024. This reflected a steady unemployment rate of 2.9 percent, which is 1.2 percentage points lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate rose to 65.6 percent while the national average remained at 62.7 percent. Substantial nonfarm job growth was also reported, with an increase of 30,800 jobs that year.

According to DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek, low unemployment figures in largely rural areas of Northern Wisconsin indicated that opportunities for workers are increasing. This is beneficial to all sectors of the economy, from agriculture to manufacturing and tourism, as all these sectors gain from having a skilled workforce.

For anyone interested in more detailed information regarding the employment statistics released, or need assistance in accessing this information, please visit Wisconomy.com.