Personal income in Eau Claire is growing at the third fastest rate in the state, but no Wisconsin city reached the national average.

In a new report, the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis says Eau Claire's per capita income grew 3.7% from 2004 to 2005, behind only Wausau and the Milwaukee area, but the national growth average is 4%. Wisconsin has an older population overall, which means fewer workers, but in Western Wisconsin, demand for workers is still strong.

Lisa Fiore Manager of Manpower Operations says “in the past, we saw applicants coming in asking for 7, 8, 9 dollars an hour. With the impending talent shortage out there, we're seeing wages that applicants are seeking are 9, 10, 11 dollars an hour so in comparison, we do see applicants looking for a higher wage."