MADISON — Green and Lafayette counties continue to lead the state in the most recent jobs report, logging the lowest unemployment rates of any other Wisconsin counties.

The news came as The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for Wisconsin metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for the November 2023 reporting period. 

Lafayette County had the lowest unemployment in the state at 1.8%, down from 2.1% in October and 2.2% at this time a year ago. Green County came in second but was not far behind, boasting a 2% unemployment rate, down from 2.3% in October; and 2.2% a year ago. Dane County tied Green’s 2% rate for November.

Highlights of the non-seasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin include:

●  Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary November unemployment rates declined in all 12 Wisconsin metro areas over the month; the rates increased in 11 of 12 areas over the year, with La Crosse-Onalaska unchanged.

●  Municipalities: Preliminary November 2023 unemployment rates declined in 32 of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities over the month; rates for the remaining three cities were unchanged over the same time; year-over-year rates increased in 32 of the state’s 35 largest cities and declined in the remaining three cities.

●  Counties: Preliminary November 2023 unemployment rates decreased in 50 counties, increased in 12 counties, and were unchanged in 10 Wisconsin counties over the month; year-over-year rates decreased in four Wisconsin counties, remained unchanged in seven of Wisconsin’s 72 counties and increased in the remaining 61 counties.

November had Wisconsin’s total nonfarm jobs hit a record high of 3,020,300 during the month. That’s 32,300 more jobs than a year ago and an increase of 1,700 over the previous month.

Preliminary employment estimates for November 2023 showed Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.3%. The labor force increased by 4,000 workers over the month, and employment also increased by 1,800 over the month. The state’s total labor force participation rate increased to 65.9%, which is 3.1% higher than the national labor force participation rate of 62.8% in November.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate was 3.3% in November, up from 3.2% in October and 0.4% lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 3.7% in November. The labor force gained 4,000 workers over the month for a total of 3,146,300 workers. The number of people employed also increased, adding 1,800 over the month for a total of 3,042,100 employed. The number of unemployed people increased 2,200 over the month and increased by 11,800 over the year to 104,200.

Total jobs increased by 1,700 over the month and 32,300 over the year to a record-high 3,020,300 total jobs in November. 

Private sector jobs increased by 3,700 over the month and 28,700 over the year. Healthcare and Social Assistance added 11,600 more jobs over the year. Construction jobs increased by 1,200 over the month and by 3,300 over the year.