Wisconsin may have lost 12,400 jobs in September, but five metropolitan service areas, led by Eau Claire and La Crosse, reported gains, according to figures released by the state Department of Workforce Development.
Eau Claire led the way in metro job gains, with 1,200 new jobs, followed by La Crosse, which reported 1,000 new jobs. Other gains were seen in Green Bay, 800; Madison, 700; and Sheboygan, 200.
The heaviest job losses were reported in the four-county Milwaukee area, which lost 1,300 jobs in September. It was followed by Janesville (-1,000), Fond du Lac and Oshkosh-Neenah (-900 each), Appleton (-400), and Racine (-300). The Milwaukee metro area includes Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, and Washington counties.
The Wausau metro area reported no change in the number of jobs.
Most of the job losses came in the government sector in agencies and public school districts.
Despite the third consecutive month of job losses statewide, all 12 metropolitan areas experienced decreases in their unemployment rates, as did 67 of the state’s 72 counties.
