Unemployment drops 1 percentage point plus locally

Douglas County was one of 18 in the state that experienced a drop in unemployment of 1 percentage point or more in September according to data released Wednesday by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development.

Douglas County’s jobless rate dropped from 7.5 percent in August to 6.4 percent in September. Year over year, the change was less dramatic. Unemployment in September 2009 was 6.8 percent.

Superior saw a similar drop, although unemployment was slightly higher among city residents. Superior’s jobless rate dropped from 7.8 percent in August to 6.7 percent in September according to preliminary figures. It was only down from a year ago when the unemployment rate was 6.8 percent.

“We saw unemployment rates decline in every metro area and nearly every major city and county in September,” said Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman said. “Wisconsin’s economy continues to show signs of recovery, but we have more work to do to help job seekers across the state find employment.”

The September 2010 rates, when compared with rates the previous month, were lower in all 12 metropolitan areas and 71 counties. Vilas County remained unchanged at 7.7 percent.

Among the state’s 31 largest municipalities, the rate dropped, although there was no change in Menomonee Falls where the unemployment rate lingered at 6.3 percent.

Statewide, seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.8 percent in September, a slight drop from August.

The September numbers are preliminary and subject to revision within the next several weeks, according to DWD.

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