Wisconsin’s May 2012 Unemployment Rate rose to 6.8% compared to April 2012. The slight rise for the month broke the trend from the beginning of the 2012 of no monthly increases, and was the only monthly rise in the past (full) year. Though the number of unemployed workers went up by just over 3,0000 people for the month, the number of employed worked also increased for May by approximately 3000 workers. The reason both these numbers were able to rise along with unemployment rate was due to a additional increase the Wisconsin’s civilian workforce numbers for May (by over 6,000).
Compared to 1 year ago (May 2011) the current rate of 6.8% is significantly better that the year-ago rate of 7.6%. Also, we find that there are almost 24,000 less unemployed people than in May 2011. We also find that there are over 35,000 more employed individuals in the state than a year ago – along with a moderate increase of over 11,000 individuals in the overall labor force. Compared to the U.S. average for May 2012 of 8.2% Wisconsin 6.8% is significantly lower. Wisconsin does match the national trend, however, of a slight increase in the rate for May 2012 (both increased 0.1% for the month).
Few metropolitan areas in WI also positive employment results for the month. the City of Racine WI dropped to 8.3% for the month (from 8.4% in April). The City of Wausau also dropped (also slightly) 0.1% to 7.1%. Most cities, however, saw the same small increase for May that the Wisconsin as a whole experienced. The cities of Appleton and Eau Claire matched the state by rising 0.1% from 6.0% to 6.1%. Janesville’s rate rose just 0.1% to 8.4% for May 2012. The largest city in the state, Milwaukee, rose 0.1% to 7.4%. Fond du Lac rose from 6.1% to 6.5% and Green Bay went from 6.2% to 6.4%. Additionally, Lacrosse rose 0.2% to 5.2% as did Madison rising to 4.9% (still a overall low unemployment rate for cities in Wisconsin).
Wisconsin industries that experienced employment gains for May include Manufacturing, Financial Activities, Trade Transportation & Utilities, Education & Health Services, and Government. Industries that saw an adverse impact include Construction, Professional & Business Services, and leisure and Hospitality.
Compared to it’s neighbors Wisconsin’s 6.8% rate is about average. The State of Minnesota has a better rate for May at 5.6% and Iowa’s rate is a region-low as just 5.1%. However, Michigan’s May rate of 8.5% and Illinois at 8.6% are much higher than Wisconsin’s May rate.
In a just about a month the US Department of Labor will release the June 2012 unemployment numbers. When that happens we’ll take another look at Wisconsin’s employment numbers, cities, and industries. Be aware that unemployment numbers/rates to change and can be adjusted at a later date.
WI Unemployment 