Unemployment dips in La Crosse, 25 other WI cities - WXOW News 19 La Crosse, WI – News, Weather and Sports |

MADISON, Wisconsin (WXOW) - Local unemployment rates dipped in most major Wisconsin cities and counties in July.

New data from the state Department of Workforce Development shows unemployment dropped in 26 of the state's 32 largest cities. The lowest rate was 4 percent in Caledonia, down from 4.2 percent. The highest was 12.7 in Racine, unchanged from June.

La Crosse's unemployment rate fell 0.2% from 7.4 percent in June to 7.2 percent in July.  The unemployment rate in La Crosse one year ago was 7.5 percent.

The data shows unemployment dropped in 64 of Wisconsin's 72 counties. Dane and Pierce counties had the lowest rate at 5.3 percent, both down slightly from June. Menominee County was highest at 20.2 percent, up from 19.2 percent.

La Crosse County's rate also improved to 5.8% from 6% in June. Trempealeau and Buffalo Counties also posted better numbers in July.

The statewide unemployment rate was 7.3 percent, up from 7 percent in June but down slightly from 7.6 percent in July 2011.