Absurdly low unemployment rates in Madison, Wisconsin

The capital of Wisconsin plays host to some of the lowest unemployment rates the country has to offer. Located between Lake Waubesa, Lake Mendota, Lake Kegonsa and Lake Monona, the City of Four Lakes has a population of around 245,000, according to the latest U.S. Census.

Though the city doesn't gain much traction on national media circuits, it provides ample employment opportunities to job seekers and a great area to call home as well.

It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Madtown
Madison offers the luxury of being surrounded by water, providing a litany of opportunities for the Midwest's avid boaters, sailors and fishermen. Citizens get to experience all four seasons of weather, with an annual average high temperature of 56 degrees Fahrenheit and an annual average low of 37 degrees, according to U.S. Climate Data. It also receives 35 inches of rain and nearly 53 inches of snow every year.

College sports are a big attraction in the area, as Madison is where the University of Wisconsin Badgers play NCAA Division 1 sports. The men's basketball team recently made it to the Final Four in the NCAA tournament, and the football team is always a large draw. Besides sports, residents can visit the Wisconsin State Capitol, Overture Center for the Arts, Henry Vilas Zoo, or camp near one of the four major lakes or numerous parks dotting the city. Because of its location, camping, kayaking, canoeing and every other outdoor activity are big in the area.

Though Madison offers a great lifestyle for those who move, the job situation it plays host to is even better.

Making Cheese in Madison - and We're Not Talking Dairy
In October 2015, Madison saw its unemployment rate dip down to 2.9 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This was a full 2 percent better than the national average at the time, and it now rests at a healthy 3.6 percent. And while the average overall unemployment rate is low, certain industries are faring even better. Regarding this, Brian Kelley, Regional Director of Beacon Hill Technologies stated, "The unemployment rate in Madison is even lower for people that work in Information Technology and the salaries that one can command in the city are commensurate with Madison's technology resource shortage."

Almost 385,000 travel to Madison daily for work, giving the city a rich and lively atmosphere. The influx of commuters makes the city seem much larger than it is, which bodes well for those moving from larger metropolitan areas.

As of March 2016, every sector in Madison besides trade, transportation and utilities has seen growth of some kind, making it easy to narrow down opportunities during your job search:

• Around 90,000 work in the government sector, which is the largest segment of employees. It has steadily grown by 1.3 percent over the past year.
• Leisure and Hospitality accounts for 35,000 of the workforce, and continues to grow at skyrocketing rates. It has achieved a growth rate of 5.6 percent in the last 12 months.
• Nearly 47,000 work in education and health services, and is adding jobs at a clip of 3.1 percent.
• Professional and businesses services employs 50,000 people, and is growing at 3.3 percent.
• Manufacturing, though down across America, happens to be adding new employees at a 2.8 percent rate to its already 34,000 employed ranks.
• Financial services has almost 25,000 employees, and is growing steadily at 1.3 percent.

Madison provides a bundle of job opportunities to those looking, and the amenities the area offers simply can't be beat.