MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development today released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for April 2026.
In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:
- Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary April 2026 unemployment rates decreased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the month. Rates increased in 12 metropolitan areas over the year and stayed the same in one area: Appleton.
- Municipalities: Preliminary April 2026 unemployment rates decreased in 34 of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities over the month. Rates stayed the same in one city over the month: Fitchburg. Unemployment rates increased in 28 cities over the year and stayed the same in the remaining seven cities.
- Counties: Preliminary April 2026 unemployment rates decreased in 71 counties over the month. Rates stayed the same in one county over the month: Menominee. Unemployment rates increased in 48 counties over the year. Rates decreased in 15 counties over the year and stayed the same in the remaining nine counties.
