January Local Employment and Unemployment Data Released
MADISON – The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development today released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics for metropolitan areas, major cities, and counties in Wisconsin for January 2026.
In brief, the nonseasonally adjusted data for Wisconsin shows:
- Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary January 2026 unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the month. Rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the year.
- Municipalities: Preliminary January 2026 unemployment rates increased in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities over the month. Unemployment rates decreased in two cities over the year. Rates increased in 32 cities over the year and stayed the same in the one remaining city.
- Counties: Preliminary January 2026 unemployment rates increased in all 72 counties over the month. Unemployment rates decreased in seven counties over the year. Rates increased in 61 counties over the year and stayed the same in the four remaining counties.
Additional information about the data included in the release is available at Wisconomy.com.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
Mentioned in This Press Release
Recent Press Releases by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Wisconsin’s Interagency Partnership Demonstrates Progress for Workers With Disabilities
Jul 16th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development2026 Joint Report Highlights Employment Outcomes and New Data Analyses
DWD Announces Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Wisconsinites Impacted by Severe Storms, Tornadoes, and Flooding
Jul 14th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of Workforce DevelopmentDisaster Unemployment Assistance is available for eligible workers in Bayfield, Brown, Buffalo, Jackson, Jefferson, Juneau, Kenosha, Manitowoc, Marathon, Milwaukee, Outagamie, Racine, Rock, Sauk, Vernon, Washington, Waukesha, Waupaca, and Winnebago Counties and the Oneida Nation.
DWD Announces Grant Program to Strengthen Healthcare Workforce
Jun 29th, 2026 by Wisconsin Department of Workforce DevelopmentModeled After Workforce Innovation Grant Program, Funding Supports Innovative Solutions to State’s Rural Healthcare Workforce Challenges
