Waukesha's Unemployment Rate Declining Since 2008 Recession

Wisconsin’s unemployment rate reached the lowest it has been since November 2008, according to information released by the Department of Workforce Development.

Waukesha’s unemployment decreased year-over-year, according to the information. Waukesha’s January 2014 unemployment rate went up slightly compared to December 2013 rates, but is the lowest unemployment rate for the month of January since the 2008 recession.

• January 2009: 8.2 percent
• January 2010: 10.9 percent
• January 2011: 9.3 percent
• January 2012: 8.5 percent
• January 2013: 8.6 percent
• January 2014: 7.2 percent

However, the unemployment rate in Waukesha is still higher of the 6.1 percent average for the entire state.

Surrounding communities also have lower unemployment rates. Overall, Waukesha County’s unemployment rate was 5.8 percent. Brookfield was at 5.3 percent, New Berlin was at 5.6 percent and Wauwatosa was at 4.9 percent. Milwaukee, however, has a higher unemployment rate at 9.3 percent. Racine has the highest unemployment rate at 11.2 percent.