The largest employment gains occurred in the Mining industry, which added 2,100 jobs or 12.9 percent when compared with April 2000. Mining gains were centered in oil and gas extraction (2,400 jobs or 28.2%), while coal mining showed a loss of 200 jobs over the year. Retail Trade added 1,200 jobs or 2.7 percent, with large gains in department stores (800 jobs or 21.6%) and miscellaneous retail (400 jobs or 7.7%). Services employment increased by 1,400 jobs or 2.7 percent, including 500 jobs in health services.

Wyoming’s labor force (the total number of employed and unemployed individuals) increased slightly when compared with April 2000 gaining 164 individuals or 0.1 percent. The number of unemployed dropped significantly, falling from 10,511 in April 2000 to 9,224 in April 2001, a decline of 1,287 or 12.2 percent.

Across Wyoming’s counties, the highest unemployment rate in April was in Fremont County (6.2%). This was down from 7.4 percent in March and 6.4 percent in April 2000. The lowest unemployment rate was 1.6 percent in Albany County. Unemployment rates decreased from March to April in all but one of Wyoming’s counties. Teton County’s unemployment rate increased from 1.7 percent in March to 3.4 percent in April. In Teton County, April traditionally represents the change over from the winter to summer tourist seasons and unemployment usually rises slightly during the month.