This report uses jobs data from the State of Wisconsin, Department of Workforce Development to examine economic growth patterns across Wisconsin between 1991-1999. The author argues that while common trends can be found, policy interventions and private sector initiatives would be better served with a more informed understanding of the dynamics of each of the local economies.

The author found that metro Milwaukee is experiencing a deconcentration of its economy to a far greater degree than any other city in Wisconsin. Nearly 4% of city employment (13,000 employees) moved to the suburbs between 1991 and 1999. In 1999 only 41% of total metro employment was located in the City of Milwaukee, a decline from 47% in 1991, and almost 90% a century earlier. Of the 105,000 new jobs added in metro Milwaukee between 1991-1999, only 4,000 occurred in the central city.

During 1991-1999 metro Milwaukee demonstrated an earnings growth of +11%; average earnings per worker in 1999 were $31,908, the highest overall average in the state. However, metro Milwaukee has the highest earnings averages in only three industries: FIRE (Finance, Insurance, Real Estate), Wholesale Trade, and Manufacturing.