St. Croix County’s jobless rate rises to 6.1% for January, but down from 2011

• January 2012 Unemployment Rates chart

January 2012 Unemployment Rates chart

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Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Secretary Reginald J. Newson announced the preliminary January unemployment rates for Wisconsin’s 72 counties on March 14.

St. Croix County’s rate was estimated at 6.1 percent, which was an increase for the second consecutive month.

St. Croix’s November 2011 rate was reported at 4.9 percent and the December rate was 5.2 percent, later adjusted to 5.0 percent.

One year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was estimated at 7.1 percent.

Secretary Newson said, “We know the 2012 hiring season is ramping up, and we encourage job seekers to move quickly and start pursuing opportunities today under Wisconsin’s improving business climate.”

Compared to January 2011, the workforce department said 70 of the state’s 72 counties had lower unemployment rates and two, Bayfield and Iron counties, experienced higher rates.

All 12 metropolitan areas across the state had lower unemployment rates in January 2012 compared to January 2011, and higher rates than in December 2011.

The nearby Eau Claire metro area had an increase from 6.0 percent to 7.0 percent. Of Wisconsin’s 31 municipalities with a population of least 25,000 residents, all had rate increases over the month and 30 had decreases compared to January 2011.

Dane (4.9 percent), Calumet (5.7 percent), La Crosse (5.8 percent) and Ozaukee (6.0 percent) counties had unemployment rates lower than St. Croix in January.

Neighboring Pierce County’s rate was identical to St. Croix County’s at 6.1 percent.

Door County had the highest rate in January at 13.5 percent, followed by Bayfield (13.4 percent), Iron (12.8 percent), Menominee (12.7 percent) and Vilas (12.2 percent).

“St. Croix County’s slight increase for the second straight month suggests the stubborn economic downturn is still around,” said William Rubin, executive director of St. Croix Economic Development Corporation.

“The increase in St. Croix followed the same trend in the 10-county region of west central and northwest Wisconsin. St. Croix and Pierce counties continue to vie for bragging rights among the state’s leaders in low unemployment rates.”

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