Doing Business

The Cost-of-Doing-Business Index indicates each state's comparative advantages or disadvantages in attracting and retaining businesses. Those states with a low cost of doing business have, on average, greater job growth than those with high costs. The Index measures fundamental business costs, including labor, taxes, real estate and electricity.

Wisconsin is ranked 23rd among the states with an overall Index score of 96.4. The range of scores are Hawaii on the high end at 151.5 and South Dakota on the low end at 70.2

Download the Milken Institute 2007 Index on the State Cost of Doing Business

The Milken Institute is a publicly supported, nonpartisan, independent think tank whose work makes a difference in the lives of people worldwide by helping create a more democratic and efficient global economy.

The above Milken Index includes the average rent costs per square foot for Industrial and Office space. The 2007 figures are statewide but provide a good comparison for many of the region's coastal and midwest competitors.

Industrial rent in Wisconsin averages $5.90 per square foot, on the low medium end between $13.20 and $2.50.

Office rent in Wisconsin averages $20.60, also in between the high of $38 and the low of $13.60.

A recent release from the federal Current Population Survey indicates that union membership in Wisconsin is now at 15.8%, down from 18.9% in 2000. The United States rate is 12.3%. More public sector workers belong to labor unions than private sector workers. Across the nation, workers in education, training, and library occupations had the highest unionization rate at 38.1%.

For the Madison Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which includes Dane, Columbia, and Iowa counties, the total membership is 19.1%, with the private sector at 7.6% and the public sector at 49.3%.

For the Janesville MSA that covers Rock County, total membership is 23.6%, with the private sector at 11.4% and the public sector at 93.3.

This compares to the state's 15.8% total, 8.6% private, and 55.7% public.

The Madison Region and Wisconsin celebrate and value the beautiful natural resources while also welcoming businesses and helping them grow.

Use this tool to locate information on any environmental issue and where to go for answers.

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