MADISON — The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development this week released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for July 2026.

Lafayette continues to lead the state with the lowest unemployment rate at 2.5%, the same it had in June and only one tenth percent higher than July 2025. Green County (2.8%) also held with its June rate, and is two tenths of a percent higher than July 2025.

In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:

● Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary July 2026 unemployment rates increased in one metropolitan area over the month: Appleton. Rates decreased in four metropolitan areas over the month and stayed the same in the remaining eight metropolitan areas. Rates increased in 12 metropolitan areas over the year and stayed the same in one area: Fond du Lac.

● Municipalities: Preliminary July 2026 unemployment rates increased in 10 of Wisconsin’s largest cities over the month. Rates decreased in 19 cities over the month and stayed the same in the remaining six cities. Unemployment rates decreased in four cities over the year. Rates increased in 26 cities over the year and stayed the same in the remaining five cities.

● Counties: Preliminary July 2026 unemployment rates increased in 22 counties over the month. Rates decreased in 25 counties over the month and stayed the same in the remaining 25 counties. Unemployment rates decreased in 10 counties over the year. Rates increased in 51 counties over the year and stayed the same in the remaining 11 counties.