BLS Data: Wisconsin's Unemployment Rate Falls Below 3.0%

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MADISON – The Department of Workforce Development today released the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) preliminary job totals for April 2024, which showed a decrease in the state's unemployment rate.

Preliminary employment estimates for April 2024 showed Wisconsin's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ticked down to 2.9%, a full percentage point below the national rate. Wisconsin's labor force participation rate for April 2024 remained at 65.6%, 2.9 percentage points above the national labor force participation rate of 62.7%.

Place of Residence Data: Wisconsin's April 2024 preliminary unemployment rate fell to 2.9% from 3.0% in March. The labor force decreased 500 over the month, to 3,139,500. The number of people employed increased 600 over the month, to 3,047,700. The number of unemployed people decreased 1,300 over the month, to 91,700.

Place of Work Data: Total nonfarm jobs increased 900 over the month and increased 24,100 over the year, to 3,035,300 in April. Wisconsin added 1,000 private sector jobs over the month, to 2,623,900 jobs. Health care and social assistance jobs grew significantly over the year, adding 10,800 jobs. As of April 2024, the sector has 420,100 jobs.

The data included in today's release can be accessed at Wisconomy.com.

View Wisconsin Labor Force Summary

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Wisconsin's Department of Workforce Development efficiently delivers effective and inclusive services to meet Wisconsin's diverse workforce needs now and for the future. The department advocates for and invests in the protection and economic advancement of all Wisconsin workers, employers, and job seekers through six divisions – Employment and Training, Vocational Rehabilitation, Unemployment Insurance, Equal Rights, Worker's Compensation, and Administrative Services. To keep up with DWD announcements and information, sign up for news releases and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.