MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) today 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 December 2022.

In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

●  Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary December 2022 unemployment rates decreased in all but one of 12 Wisconsin metro areas over the month and decreased or stayed the same in eight metro areas over the year.

●  Municipalities: Preliminary December 2022 unemployment rates decreased in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities over the month. Over the year, 22 Wisconsin cities had unemployment rates decrease or stay the same.

●  Counties: Preliminary December 2022 unemployment rates decreased or stayed the same in 45 of 72 Wisconsin counties over the month and decreased or stayed the same in 31of 72 Wisconsin counties over the year.

In Green County, unemployment fell 3/10ths of a point from November to December in 2022, from 2.1% to 1.8%. The Dec. 2022 rate was 1/10th lower than the same period in 2021.

Green County is tied for the third-best in the state for Dec. 2022. Dane (1.6%) has the lowest rate, followed by Calumet (1.7%). Fond du Lac, Ozaukee, Sheboygan, Washington and Waukesha all are at 1.8%.

Lafayette County is at 1.9%, down from 2.2% in November, but up from 1.4% from Dec. 2021.