Strong Employment Growth Continues in February
by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

"Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.3 percent, well below the U.S. rate of 4.2 percent, and below its February 2000 level of 3.9 percent."

Wyoming’s employment growth continued at a relatively rapid pace in February as 6,100 jobs were created, giving the state a growth rate of 2.7 percent. In comparison, U.S. job growth stood at 1.3 percent. Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.3 percent, well below the U.S. rate of 4.2 percent, and below its February 2000 level of 3.9 percent.

Strong employment growth was seen in many industries in February. Mining added 1,600 jobs or 9.6 percent as a result of double-digit gains in oil & gas extraction (1,800 jobs or 20.7%). Retail Trade increased by 1,600 jobs or 3.7 percent with the largest gains in department stores (700 jobs or 18.9%) and eating & drinking places (400 jobs or 2.5%). Services added 1,600 jobs or 3.1 percent, with 500 jobs (4.7%) created in health services.

Because of job losses in the telephone communications industry, employment in Transportation, Communications, & Public Utilities fell by 100 jobs or 0.7 percent.

Natrona County added 1,100 jobs or 3.5 percent when compared with February 2000. Large gains were seen in Mining (300 jobs or 15.8%) and Services (300 jobs or 3.3%). In Laramie County, employment grew by 700 jobs or 1.9 percent. Retail Trade gained 300 jobs or 4.0 percent, and Government grew by 300 jobs or 2.6 percent.

The lowest unemployment rate in February 2001 was in Teton County (1.7%) and the highest rate was in Fremont County (8.3%). The largest decrease in unemployment rate between February 2000 and February 2001 occurred in Washakie County where unemployment fell from 7.1 percent to 3.9 percent. Sweetwater County also experienced a significant decline in unemployment, falling from 6.5 percent in February 2000 to 4.9 percent in February 2001.

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