Wisconsin Unemployment
According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Wisconsin fell 0.0 percentage points in May 2021 to 3.9%. The state unemployment rate was 1.9 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin peaked in April 2020 at 14.8% and is now 10.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 3.8% in January 2021, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.1 percentage points. You can also see Wisconsin unemployment compared to other states.
| Unemployment Rate | May 2021 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| National | 5.8% | -0.3 | -7.5 |
| Wisconsin | 3.9% | 0.0 | -6.5 |
Note: All comparisons are made with May data as June state level unemployment data has not yet been released.
Unemployment Rate: Wisconsin, National
Note: Recessions shown in gray
Wisconsin Unemployed
The number of people unemployed in Wisconsin peaked in April 2020 at 453,138. There are now 333,480 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 116,563 in February 2021, the number of unemployed has now grown by 3,095. Wisconsin job growth data is also available.
| Unemployed Persons | May 2021 | Month/Month | Year/Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 119,658 | -43 | -196,979 |
Number of Unemployed Persons
Wisconsin Unemployment History
| Date | National Unemployment Rate |
Wisconsin Unemployment Rate |
Wisconsin Unemployed |
|---|---|---|---|
| June 2021 | 5.9% | — | — |
| May 2021 | 5.8% | 3.9% | 119,658 |
| April 2021 | 6.1% | 3.9% | 119,701 |
| March 2021 | 6.0% | 3.8% | 117,330 |
| February 2021 | 6.2% | 3.8% | 116,563 |
| January 2021 | 6.3% | 3.8% | 116,894 |
| December 2020 | 6.7% | 4.0% | 121,607 |
| November 2020 | 6.7% | 4.4% | 132,913 |
| October 2020 | 6.9% | 4.8% | 145,990 |
| September 2020 | 7.8% | 5.2% | 162,696 |
| August 2020 | 8.4% | 6.1% | 186,240 |
| July 2020 | 10.2% | 7.2% | 219,314 |
Department of Numbers
The Department of Numbers contextualizes public data so that individuals can form independent opinions on everyday social and economic matters.
