© Copyright 2006 by the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research & Planning
Vol. 43 No. 2
Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.9% in November to 3.2% in December. Although U.S. unemployment also fell in December, it remained at a much higher level (4.9%) than in Wyoming. Job growth in Wyoming (measured on an over-the-year basis) stood at 6,200 jobs or 2.4%. For the past 14 months, Wyoming job growth has outpaced the nation, often by a comfortable margin.
Wyoming employment fell by 700 jobs or 0.3% from November to December. This level of decrease is consistent with normal seasonal patterns. Seasonal decreases in Construction (-1,200 jobs or -5.9%), Manufacturing (-300 jobs or -3.0%), and Professional & Business Services (-500 jobs or -3.2%) were partially offset by gains in Natural Resources & Mining (300 jobs or 1.3%) and Leisure & Hospitality (700 jobs or 2.4%).
From December 2004, Wyoming added 6,200 jobs or 2.4%. Natural Resources & Mining (including oil & gas) was responsible for the largest number of new jobs in the state (2,400 jobs or 11.2%). Wyoming’s Construction industry added 700 jobs or 3.8%. Notable job growth also occurred in Wholesale Trade (400 jobs or 5.3%), Transportation & Utilities (600 jobs or 5.0%), and Professional & Business Services (400 jobs or 2.7%). Employment remained stable in Information, Financial Activities, and Other Services. Manufacturing employment fell slightly (-100 jobs or -1.0%).
From November to December, unemployment fell in each of Wyoming’s 23 counties. The largest decrease occurred in Teton County (4.9% in November, 2.6% in December). Platte County had the highest unemployment rate (4.6%) in December and Sublette County (1.6%) the lowest. Compared to December 2004, unemployment fell in 22 counties and remained unchanged in Washakie County (3.8%).
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