MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today released the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary employment estimates for the month of August. The data shows that Wisconsin’s Labor Force Participation Rate remained at 67.2 percent in August, 4.0 percent better than the national rate of 63.2 percent. Wisconsin’s unemployment rate in August was 3.1 percent, 0.6 percent lower than the national rate of 3.7 percent.
In brief:
- Place of Resident Data: Wisconsin’s preliminary seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in August was 3.1 percent, up slightly from the August 2018 rate of 3.0 percent, but near the historic lows achieved earlier this year. Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate in August was 67.2 percent. The national labor force participation rate in August was 63.2 percent.
- Place of Work Data: Wisconsin added 8,300 private-sector jobs from August 2018 to August 2019, and 1,900 total non-farm jobs over the same period. Over-the-month, Wisconsin’s private-sector jobs declined by 1,400, while total non-farm jobs declined by 3,500.
“Along with the country’s, Wisconsin’s workforce is aging rapidly, with thousands retiring across the country daily,” DWD Secretary-designee Caleb Frostman said. “To replace retiring workers, while also filling new positions, Wisconsin’s employers and workforce partners, very much including DWD, will need to continue their aggressive, creative, and inclusive workforce recruitment efforts. We look forward to building on our strong partnerships to attract and retain the best and brightest here in Wisconsin.”
Today’s full report can be viewed on DWD’s premier source for labor market information, WisConomy.com.
