Photo by Richard Hurd
Metro Metrics May 2025
Metro Metrics is a monthly data snapshot that explores key economic indicators reflecting the health of the Madison Metro economy.
Latest data shows strength in Madison Metro labor, housing markets
Greater Madison’s labor market remains strong, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country (Fig. 1). In fact, the region has lower unemployment than 94% of the metro areas nationwide.
In April, the total number of jobs in the Madison Metro increased slightly compared to March (Fig. 2). The industries with the most job growth were information – which has grown an average of 4% annually over the past five years – along with education and health services. Included within the information super sector are software publishing jobs, in which the Madison Metro now has the highest job concentration in the country.
Housing permits approved in the Madison Metro are down compared to the same period last year, largely due to a higher than typical volume of units approved in February 2024 (Fig. 3). Permitting levels continue to exceed all pre-pandemic years, with many projects currently in the pipeline.
Passenger traffic at Dane County Regional Airport has returned to pre-pandemic levels, with 5.3% more passengers arriving or departing this year compared to the same period last year (Fig. 4). Service offerings have also expanded with the return of seasonal nonstop flights to Los Angeles and additional daily nonstop service to New York City.
