MONROE — The June 2023 unemployment rate rose slightly in both Green and Lafayette counties, but the numbers are still under 3% and among the best in the state. According to data released from the state’s Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) job totals for the month of June 2023, Wisconsin’s total nonfarm jobs reached a record high of 3,006,900. This is 52,900 more jobs than a year ago and an increase of 6,900 over the previous month. 

Lafayette County’s mark of 2.5% unemployment was the best figure in the state. That is 0.5% higher than May 2023, but 0.2% lower than a year ago in June 2022. Green County (2.8%) ranked tied for third with Dane, Door, Iowa, Kewaunee, Pepin and Sauk Counties. Green rose from 2.1% a month prior, but is at the same level as it was a year ago in 2022.

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate was 2.5% in June after hitting a record low of 2.4% in April and May. For June, the number of unemployed people increased by 3,300 over the month and decreased by 14,300 over the year to 76,700. The labor force gained 14,000 workers over the month for a total labor force of 3,113,700. The number of people employed grew by 10,700 over the month of June for a total of 3,037,000 employed.

Total jobs increased by 52,900 over the year and increased 6,900 over the month to 3,006,900 total jobs in May. Private sector jobs increased by 43,700 over the year and increased by 7,000 over the month to 2,603,400. Leisure and hospitality jobs grew by 11,500 over the year and 6,100 over the month.

“Wisconsin’s labor market economy had a record-breaking June in terms of total jobs, and the labor force gained 14,000 workers over the month,” said DWD Secretary-designee Amy Pechacek in a press release. “Wisconsin’s labor force participation rate continued to outpace the nation’s rate, as well. Wisconsin workers are motivated and encouraged by the opportunities that are available, and the Department of Workforce Development remains committed to help all workers gain the skills and supports necessary to thrive in the modern economy.”

All 72 Wisconsin counties saw unemployment rates increase from May’s numbers, though 57 counties were either the same or lower than from the same time a year ago.

All 12 of Wisconsin’s metro areas saw the unemployment rate rise over the past month, though all 12 either decreased or stayed the same compared to June 2022 figures. Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities all saw their unemployment rates rise, with 25 of those cities either decreasing or staying the same over the past 12 months.

City and county unemployment rates are not seasonally adjusted.

Preliminary employment estimates for June 2023 showed Wisconsin’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 2.5%. The total labor force grew by 14,000 and employment increased by 10,700 over the month of June. Additionally, the state’s total labor force participation rate increased to 65.3%. 

Nationwide for the month of June, the U.S. unemployment rate was 3.6%, 1.1 percentage points above Wisconsin’s rate, and the national labor force participation rate of 62.6% was 2.7 percentage points below the state rate.

The full data can be accessed on the DWD’s premier source for labor market information, WisConomy.com.