In one telltale sign of a slowing economy, preliminary June 2026 unemployment rates increased in all 13 metropolitan areas over the month, according to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, which released U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates of employment and unemployment statistics.
Over the past year, unemployment rates increased in 10 metropolitan areas and stayed the same in three: Fond du Lac, Milwaukee-Waukesha and Sheboygan.
In terms of Wisconsin municipalities, the preliminary June 2026 unemployment rates increased in all of Wisconsin’s 35 largest cities over the month.
Jobless rates decreased in six other cities over the year, increased in 23 cities, and stayed the same in six cities.
Measured by county, preliminary June 2026 unemployment rates increased in all 72 counties over the month.
Over the year, unemployment rates decreased in 10 counties, increased in 44 counties and stayed the same in the remaining 18 counties.
