Wyoming Unemployment Rate Drops in May
by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

"Unemployment rates fell from April 2000 to May 2000 in all 23 counties."

W yoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent in May, down from 4.0 percent in April and well below its May 1999 level of 5.1 percent. This compares favorably with the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.1 percent in May.

Total nonfarm employment increased by 3,400 jobs or 1.5 percent in May. The largest employment gains were seen in Services, Retail Trade and Government. Services employment increased by 1,300 jobs or 2.5 percent when compared with May 1999. Employment in Retail Trade rose by 1,300 jobs or 2.9 percent. Government gained 800 jobs as a result of temporary workers conducting the 2000 Census.

The number of unemployed individuals in the state decreased dramatically from May 1999 falling by 3,400 or 26.5 percent. This large drop in the number of unemployed caused statewide labor force to fall slightly over the year, losing 137 individuals or 0.1 percent. A declining labor force suggests that people are withdrawing from the labor force or leaving the state.

Unemployment rates fell from April to May in all 23 counties in Wyoming. The largest drops occurred in Lincoln County, which fell from 6.4 percent to 4.6 percent and in Teton County, which fell from 4.0 percent to 2.4 percent. Albany County had the lowest unemployment rate in the state, 1.5 percent in May. Washakie County had the highest unemployment rate in May, an estimated 6.1 percent.

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