Overall unemployment rate moved up to 2.5% with the biggest shift in Government, which gained 1,100 roles, based on the most recently available information published in April 2023.

Total employment in the La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN market rose by 867 jobs in February and the unemployment rate increased compared to the prior month by 10 bps to 2.5%. The national unemployment rate increased by 3 bps over the same time to 3.9%.

  • La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN unemployment rate is 139 bps below the national rate which is a positive sign.
  • Unemployment in the market is 30 bps below the unemployment rate in the market last year at this time, which is a positive.
  • Average wages (per hour) grew in February versus prior month by 1.8% and are down compared to last year at this time in the market.
Month over Month Unemployment Change
Year over Year Unemployment Change
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Unemployment February 2023

For key employment segments of the market, total jobs grew by 1.5% . Key sectors include:

  • Education & Healthcare: 17,200; +100
  • Transportation & Utilities: 16,000; no change
  • Government: 10,400; +1,100
  • Manufacturing: 9,100; no change
  • Restaurants & Hotels: 7,400; no change
  • Business Services: 5,900; -100
  • Financial Services: 4,700; +100
  • Other Jobs: 4,600; no change
  • Construction, Mining: 3,100; no change
  • IT & Development: 700; no change
La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN Unemployment by Industry February 2023

Data is based on the most recent 12 months available, through February 2023 (Data published April 2023 and reports created on April 10, 2023).  Source: Government data agency and locally acquired statistics.

Note: All reported data is not seasonally adjusted.