The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development released July unemployment figures for Rock County, indicating that the county's overall rate remained flat compared with June. The data break down the county's major cities, revealing contrasting movements in the two largest labor markets.
Janesville recorded a decline in its jobless rate, reflecting recent hiring gains in manufacturing and health services that have absorbed a portion of the local labor pool. In contrast, Beloit saw its unemployment percentage climb, driven by layoffs in retail and a slowdown in construction projects.
Despite the opposing city trends, the aggregate county figure held steady, suggesting that gains in Janesville were offset by losses in Beloit. Officials noted that the mixed picture underscores the need for targeted workforce interventions across the county.