MADISON, Wis. (AP) -- Local unemployment rates across Wisconsin are dropping.
The latest report from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released Wednesday shows that unemployment rates in every major city dropped between July and August.
In brief, the estimates showed:
•Metropolitan Statistical Areas: Preliminary unemployment rates (not seasonally adjusted) declined in 10 metro areas and remained unchanged in Eau Claire and Madison year over year. Rates declined in all metro areas between July and August. The August 2012 rates ranged from 5.2 percent in metro Madison to 8.8 percent in metro Racine.
•Municipalities: Of 32 municipalities with at least 25,000 residents, 24 had either declines or no change in unemployment rates year over year. From July to August, all municipalities had declines in rates. Rates ranged from 3.8 percent in Caledonia to 12.1 percent in Racine.
•Counties: Of 72 counties, 62 had either rate declines or no change year over year. Between July and August, 69 had rate declines. Rates increased in Florence, Grant and Menominee. Rates ranged from 5.0 percent in Dane to 21.9 percent in Menominee.
Unemployment also went down in all but three Wisconsin counties. Rates increased only in Florence, Grant and Menominee counties.
The preliminary unemployment rates for local areas are not seasonally adjusted, subject to significant revision, and not directly comparable with the statewide figures.
Unemployment ranged from a low of 5 percent in Dane County to a high of 21.9 percent in Menominee County.
Racine had the highest unemployment rate of any city at 12.1 percent, followed by Beloit at 11.8 percent.
The statewide rate for August was 7.5 percent.
