Wisconsin’s Manufacturing Advantage Endured: The Manufacturing and Agriculture Credit, 2013–2025
For every 100 manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin’s border counties in 2012, there were about 117 in 2025. Across the state line, 100 became 96.
Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy
For every 100 manufacturing jobs in Wisconsin’s border counties in 2012, there were about 117 in 2025. Across the state line, 100 became 96.
Wisconsin’s college-educated residents do not leave at unusually high rates. The deeper weakness is that relatively few educated newcomers arrive, especially from far away and among people born in other states.
Wisconsin has spent decades losing too much young talent. It has so far avoided an Illinois-style high-income outflow. The next governor should try to fix the first without creating the second.
12.18.25 For November 2025, business applications were 8,262, an increase of 24.33% from a month ago.
9.12.25 For August 2025, business applications were 6,267, an increase of 11.08% from a month ago.
8.14.25 For July 2025, business applications were 5,596, an increase of 0.36% from a month ago.
7.14.25 For June 2025, business applications were 5,572, an increase of 4.95% from a month ago.
6.16.25 Junjie Guo. For May 2025, business applications were 5,261, a decrease of 0.53% from a month ago.
5.15.25 Junjie Guo. For April 2025, business applications were 5,242, an increase of 0.71% from a month ago.
4.17.25 Junjie Guo. For March 2025, business applications were 5,165, an increase of 5.09% from a month ago.