MONROE — Mirroring a state wide trend, unemployment in Green County dipped yet again, to a non-seasonally adjusted rate of just 2 percent. 

And that is even less than the statewide number of 2.5 percent and does not surprise local leaders who are working to attract and retain businesses and employers to the region.

“These numbers show people are working and finding jobs in Green County,” said Olivia Otte, director for Green County Economic Development Corp., a non-profit that promotes business here.

Lafayette County’s rate also fell markedly, from 2.7 percent last month, to 2.1 percent. Last year at the same time, it was about 2.9 percent there. Rock County also saw a month to month decrease from 3.1 last period to the current 2.9 percent, according to the state Dept. of Workforce Development.

Over the year, the department said, 34 Wisconsin cities had unemployment rates decrease and four cities tied or had all-time low unemployment rates since data collection began: Mequon (1.8%); Muskego (1.7%); Sheboygan (1.8%); and Stevens Point (1.9%). 

At the county level, according to a statement from the department, “preliminary March 2023 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 72 Wisconsin counties over the month. Over the year, 72 Wisconsin counties had unemployment rates decrease. Menominee (3.7%) and Outagamie (1.9%) counties both tied or set record low unemployment rates for all months going back to 1990.”

Our part of the state is either close or below the state average and that is a fact owing to the number of opportunities offered by Green and Lafayette County employers as, well as efforts from Otte’s group and others that are working at retaining and growing the workforce.

While the jobs are here for the most part, she said, two key issues continue to be barriers to new talent moving here; and to retaining others in the community for life.

“Most businesses are telling me they need new housing to live, better child care, and broadband,” she said.

The broadband issue continues to hinder growth, particularly in the many rural areas around Green and Lafayette Counties, experts say. But overall the state is doing well.

“The latest labor market data continues Wisconsin’s historic economic performance, at both the local and state level,” said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek, in a statement. “With record low unemployment statewide, we are redoubling our efforts to remove employment barriers such as transportation and childcare so that Wisconsinites can connect with jobs and expand career opportunities.”