Department of Numbers

Wisconsin Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Wisconsin fell 0.1 percentage points in April 2012 to 6.7%. The state unemployment rate was 1.4 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin peaked in June 2009 at 9.2% and is now 2.5 percentage points lower. You can also see Wisconsin unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate April 2012 Month/Month Year/Year
National 8.1% -0.1 -0.9
Wisconsin 6.7% -0.1 -0.8

Unemployment Rate: Wisconsin, National

Wisconsin monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to April 2012

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Wisconsin Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Wisconsin peaked in June 2009 at 287,166. There are now 81,856 fewer people unemployed in the state. Wisconsin job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons April 2012 Month/Month Year/Year
Wisconsin 205,310 -2,308 -26,207

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Wisconsin from 1990 to April 2012

Wisconsin Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin
Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin
Unemployed
April 2012 8.1% 6.7% 205,310
March 2012 8.2% 6.8% 207,618
February 2012 8.3% 6.9% 209,861
January 2012 8.3% 6.9% 210,068
December 2011 8.5% 7.0% 213,168
November 2011 8.7% 7.1% 217,665
October 2011 8.9% 7.3% 222,694
September 2011 9.0% 7.4% 227,591
August 2011 9.1% 7.6% 231,573
July 2011 9.1% 7.6% 233,573
June 2011 9.1% 7.6% 233,487
May 2011 9.0% 7.6% 232,294
April 2011 9.0% 7.5% 231,517