Department of Numbers

Wisconsin Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Wisconsin rose 0.1 percentage points in October 2023 to 3.2%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin peaked in April 2020 at 14.1% and is now 10.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.4% in April 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.8 percentage points. You can also see Wisconsin unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.9% +0.1 +0.2
Wisconsin 3.2% +0.1 +0.2

Note: All comparisons are made with October data as November state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Wisconsin, National

Wisconsin monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to October 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Wisconsin Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Wisconsin peaked in April 2020 at 433,266. There are now 331,261 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 72,950 in April 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 29,055. Wisconsin job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons October 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Wisconsin 102,005 +5,367 +8,547

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Wisconsin from 1990 to October 2023

Wisconsin Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin
Unemployment Rate
Wisconsin
Unemployed
November 2023 3.7%
October 2023 3.9% 3.2% 102,005
September 2023 3.8% 3.1% 96,638
August 2023 3.8% 2.9% 89,517
July 2023 3.5% 2.6% 81,078
June 2023 3.6% 2.5% 76,735
May 2023 3.7% 2.4% 73,358
April 2023 3.4% 2.4% 72,950
March 2023 3.5% 2.5% 76,581
February 2023 3.6% 2.7% 82,956
January 2023 3.4% 2.9% 87,962
December 2022 3.5% 3.0% 91,940