Wyoming Employment Growth Continues in November
by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

"Growth was especially strong in Mining, Retail Trade, Services and Local Government."

Wyoming’s employment growth increased to 2.7 percent in November and remained above the U.S. growth rate of 1.7 percent for the second month in a row. Establishment survey data show that 6,400 jobs were created in Wyoming during November 2000 compared with November 1999.

Employment increases were seen throughout Wyoming’s economy. Growth was especially strong in Mining (1,100 jobs or 6.9%), Retail Trade (1,100 jobs or 2.4%), Services (1,400 jobs or 2.7%) and Local Government (1,200 jobs or 3.0%). Within Mining, small job losses in coal mining were more than offset by rapid growth in oil & gas extraction. Retail Trade saw strong growth in department stores and eating & drinking places. Many areas of the Services industry grew, especially business services and health services.

After showing strong gains for many months, Construction employment slowed in November. This employment decrease appears related to unusually cold weather.

Nonagricultural employment in Natrona County increased by 1,100 jobs or 3.5 percent. The largest gains were in Mining (200 jobs or 11.1%), Retail Trade (200 jobs or 3.2%) and Services (300 jobs or 3.3%). Laramie County’s employment grew by 400 jobs or 1.1 percent as job gains in Retail Trade and Services were partially offset by job losses in Construction.

Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased to 3.8 percent, slightly below its (revised) October 2000 level of 3.9 percent and well below its November 1999 level of 4.5 percent. The U.S. unemployment rate increased from 3.9 percent in October to 4.0 percent in November.

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