Officials: Unemployment creeps up in most Wisconsin cities

Unemployment rates crept up in most major Wisconsin cities last month, while most counties saw unemployment drop, according to state officials.

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released the latest local unemployment figures for May on Wednesday.

The report shows that 11 cities saw rates drop or have no change between April and May while 21 saw an increase. However, none of those rose more than roughly one half of a percentage point.

Of the state’s 72 counties, unemployment rates increased in 36, stayed the same in six and went up in 30.

Beloit had the highest unemployment rate at 11.6 percent followed by Racine at 11.2 percent. Milwaukee’s was third highest at 10.2 percent.

Statewide unemployment for the month was 6.8 percent.