Dept. of Workforce Development: August local employment and unemployment data released

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 August 2026.

In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

• Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary August 2026 unemployment rates increased in one metropolitan area over the month: Kenosha. Rates decreased in five metropolitan areas over the month and stayed the same in the remaining seven metropolitan areas. Rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the year.
• Municipalities: Preliminary August 2026 unemployment rates increased in seven of Wisconsin’s largest cities over the month. Rates decreased in 13 cities over the month and stayed the same in the remaining 15 cities. Unemployment rates decreased in three cities over the year. Rates increased in 30 cities over the year and stayed the same in the remaining two cities.
• Counties: Preliminary August 2026 unemployment rates increased in 10 counties over the month. Rates decreased in 36 counties over the month and stayed the same in the remaining 26 counties. Unemployment rates decreased in four counties over the year. Rates increased in 64 counties over the year and stayed the same in the remaining four counties.