The unemployment rates for Crawford County and Grant County dropped in August, however those rates are still nearly doubles the unemployment rate of a year ago.

In August, Crawford County’s unemployment rate was 8.8% in Crawford County, down from 9.5% in July.  In Grant County, the rate was 7.1% in August down from July’s 7.9% rate.

At this time last year, less than 5% of the area’s workforce was unemployed.

“August labor market statistics show all metro areas and all but three counties with decreases in their unemployment rates,” Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development  Secretary Roberta Gassman said. “We see encouraging signs that the economy is improving as we work with our partners to help the unemployed and all job seekers, connecting them with employers to keep the economy going forward.”

In August, unemployment rates decreased in 69 of 72 Wisconsin counties, increased in two, and remained the same in one. Dane County recorded the lowest rate at 5.8 percent. The highest rate was recorded in Menominee County at 17.8 percent.