Wyoming Adds 4,000 Jobs in August
by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

"Employment Growth was particularly strong in the Services industry, which added 2,200 jobs or 3.7 percent when compared with August 1999."

During August, 4,000 jobs were created in Wyoming for an over-the-year growth rate of 1.7 percent. In comparison, U.S. employment growth slowed to 1.9 percent, its lowest level since April 1996. Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose from 4.0 percent in July to 4.3 percent in August, while the U.S. unemployment rate rose from 4.0 percent to 4.1 percent.

Employment growth was particularly strong in the Services industry, which added 2,200 jobs or 3.7 percent when compared with August 1999. Other industries with strong growth were Mining (500 jobs or 3.1%) and Construction (700 jobs or 3.6%). Retail Trade and Government each added 400 jobs in August. Job losses were seen in Manufacturing, where employment fell by 400 jobs or 3.5 percent.

Employment in Wyoming’s two metropolitan areas grew faster than the state. Natrona County added 1,000 jobs or 3.2 percent and Laramie County gained 1,100 jobs or 3.1 percent. In Natrona County the majority of new jobs were in the Services industry, while Laramie County’s job growth was spread throughout many industries including Retail Trade, Construction and Services.

Wyoming’s labor force grew by 2,117 individuals or 0.8 percent. The number of unemployed fell from 10,657 in August 1999 to 9,228 in August 2000, a drop of 1,429 people or 13.4 percent. The statewide unemployment rate of 4.3 percent remained below its August 1999 level of 4.8 percent.

Teton County had the lowest unemployment rate in August, an estimated 0.9 percent. The unemployment rate in Fremont County was 6.1 percent in August, down from 6.8 percent in August 1999, but still the highest in the state.

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