Navigating the Economic Landscape: Insights from the 2024 Q3 Rock County Index

 

Rock County Index and BMO Deputy Chief Economist Michael Gregory, speaker at the FJI BMO Breakfast, paint the third quarter with muted shades of optimism. The Economic Development Dashboard offers a snapshot of trends shaping 2024 and hints at what could define 2025. Workforce conditions are easing, with slower wage growth and less labor pressure in Rock County, though wages remain high.

 

Wisconsin’s residential market continues to outperform national averages despite affordability challenges not seen since the 1980s. Record-breaking sales tax collections and $5 billion in new investments signal resilience, bolstered by a manufacturing surge tied to federal initiatives. That said, I’m skeptical these policies will deliver substantial benefits to the Midwest.

 

View More Here.