November News
by: David Bullard, Economist
"This is the first time in several months that Wyoming's [unemployment] rate has been above the U.S. ..."
November’s nonagricultural employment estimates show growth of 2,600 jobs or 1.2 percent over the year. Despite slower growth earlier in the year, the service producing sector picked up 2,100 jobs (1.2 percent), while the number of goods producing jobs increased by 500 (1.1 percent). Nationally, employment growth (as measured by the establishment survey) slowed to 2.3 percent in November as seen in the figure, "Nonagricultural Employment Growth".
Wyoming’s unemployment rate rose from 4.0 in October to 4.4 percent in November and is currently above the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.1 percent. This is the first time in several months that Wyoming’s rate has been above the U.S., but reflects a seasonal pattern seen in most years. Generally, Wyoming’s unemployment rate is slightly lower than the U.S. rate in the summer and higher in the winter months. This may be due to Wyoming’s dependence on seasonal industries such as agriculture, tourism and construction. Civilian labor force increased 2.1 percent over the year.
The decline in Unemployment Insurance (UI) Claims slowed this month. Although statewide continued UI Claims were down 8.0 percent over the year, nine counties had higher claims than last year. November is the 22nd straight month of declines in UI claims in over-the-year comparisons. Initial claims were 20.2 percent below last year’s level.
Industries with strong growth included business services (300 jobs or 5.0%) and gas stations (200 jobs or 5.0%). Decreases in employment were seen in federal government (down 400 jobs or 5.8%) and eating and drinking places (down 200 jobs or 1.2%).
David Bullard is an Economist specializing in Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) with Research &
Planning. He also produces the Research & Planning News Release.
New from Research & Planning: County Fact Sheets! This publication features interesting facts on all of Wyoming's 23 counties and includes covered employment and wages as well as annual average unemployment data. Call 307-473-3807 to get your free copy, or visit R&P's website (http://lmi.state.wy.us/)!
The "Monthly News" (above) is a new feature in Wyoming Labor Force Trends, based on the Research & Planning News Release (a monthly publication summarizing the economic conditions of the state). To receive a hard copy of News Release, which is published approximately two weeks before Trends, call 307-473-3810. The current News Release is also available on the Internet.
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