Northwoods unemployment numbers mirror the downward state jobless trend, but numbers here remain double or more other spots in Wisconsin.
Menominee county had the state's highest rate in April at 11.3 percent, followed by Iron county at 10 percent, Vilas and Forest are tied for fifth highest at 8.4 percent, followed by Oneida at 6.4 percent, Langlade at 6.2 percent, Lincoln at 5.2 percent and Price county at 4.5 percent.
State economist Beau Gellings says he noted one factor in the Northwoods labor force...
"....the labor force is flat, and in some cases, it's down, so as we look at the impact that has, it's going to be difficult to keep up with the aging workforce as individuals leave. Especially with a 'flat' workforce..."
Flat is defined as having the same or fewer people to replace those leaving the workforce.
Gellings says unemployment here is down significantly from last year, with all counties showing a 1 to 3 percent lower number this April than a year ago.
Statewide, all 72 counties had lower unemployment. Dane county had the state's lowest rate at 2.9 percent.
