MADISON — The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates of unemployment and employment statistics for Wisconsin metropolitan areas, major cities and counties in Wisconsin for October. 

In brief, the non-seasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary October unemployment rates decreased in all of Wisconsin’s 12 metro areas over the year and over the month. Appleton, Eau Claire, Fond Du Lac, Green Bay, La Crosse, Racine and Wausau experienced record low unemployment rates in Oct. 

Municipalities: Preliminary October unemployment rates declined in all of Wisconsin’s 34 largest cities over the year and over the month. Seventeen of Wisconsin’s 34 cities experienced record low unemployment rates in the month.

Counties: Preliminary Oct. unemployment rates declined in all 72 Wisconsin counties over the year and over the month. Thirty-eight of Wisconsin’s 72 counties experienced record low unemployment rates in the month of October.

Lafayette and Taylor counties had the lowest unemployment rate (non-seasonally adjusted) at 1.6%. Lafayette is down 1.2% since October 2020. Green County was at 1.8% for October 2021, tied for third in the state, and down from 3.1% the year prior. Rock County was at 2.9% for October 2021, down from 4.6%. Sixty-five counties had October 2021 rates below 3%, and all counties are down from the month and year prior. Menominee (5.1%) had the highest rate, which is down from 13.1% in 2020.