Wyoming Unemployment Down Slightly in August
by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 4.1% in July to 4.0% in August and remained well below the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.9%. Although job gains were seen across most industry sectors, Natural Resources & Mining and Construction seemed to be driving growth in the state. Compared to August 2004, 6,300 jobs were created, an increase of 2.4%. 

From July to August, Wyoming employment fell by 1,300 jobs or 0.5%. Seasonal job losses in Professional & Business Services (-300 jobs or -1.8%), Leisure & Hospitality (-800 jobs or -2.1%), and Government (-400 jobs or -0.7%) were partially offset by gains in Construction (200 jobs or 0.9%) and Educational & Health Services (200 jobs or 0.9%). 

From August 2004, Wyoming gained 6,300 jobs or 2.4%. Natural Resources & Mining (including oil & gas) added 1,900 jobs or 9.1% and Construction grew by 1,700 jobs or 8.1%. Other notable increases occurred in Manufacturing (200 jobs or 2.1%), Wholesale Trade (400 jobs or 5.4%), Retail Trade (400 jobs or 1.3%), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (300 jobs or 2.5%), Educational & Health Services (600 jobs or 2.8%), and Leisure & Hospitality (400 jobs or 1.1%). Employment fell slightly in Other Services (-100 jobs or -1.0%) with no change in Information or Professional & Business Services. 

Almost all county unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and declined from July to August. Niobrara County posted the largest decrease, falling from 4.0% in July to 3.3% in August. Fremont County fell from 5.0% to 4.4% and Washakie County fell from 4.1% to 3.6%. The highest unemployment rate was found in Platte County (4.6%) and the lowest in Sublette County (1.7%). 

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