© Copyright 2006 by the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research & Planning

WYOMING LABOR FORCE TRENDS

Vol. 43 No. 8

Wyoming Unemployment Falls in June 2006

by: David Bullard, Senior Economist


Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.7% in May to 3.3% in June. U.S. unemployment was unchanged at 4.6% in June. The state’s unemployment rate has been lower than the U.S. average since December 2000. The number of new jobs in Wyoming continued to grow at a faster-than-average pace (3.4% job growth in Wyoming, compared to 1.4% in the U.S.).

From May to June, Wyoming gained 8,400 jobs or 3.1%. This increase is consistent with normal seasonal patterns. Employment increased sharply in Leisure & Hospitality (5,100 jobs or 15.9%) as the summer tourist season got into full swing. Other notable increases were seen in Construction (800 jobs or 3.5%), Retail Trade (1,300 jobs or 4.3%), and Professional & Business Services (600 jobs or 3.6%). Government employment fell slightly (-500 jobs or -0.7%) as some public schools and colleges began their summer break.

From June 2005 to June 2006, Wyoming added 9,200 jobs or 3.4%. Growth was seen across every major sector except Information (including newspapers, radio and television broadcasting, and telecommunications) which was unchanged from June 2005. Natural Resources & Mining (including oil & gas) dominated the job gains, with employment increasing by 2,800 or 12.2%. Rapid growth also occurred in Construction (1,500 jobs or 6.8%); Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (800 jobs or 6.3%); and Professional & Business Services (700 jobs or 4.2%).

County unemployment rates, which were already low in May, declined further in June. Fremont and Goshen counties tied for the highest unemployment rate (4.2%), followed closely by Platte County (4.1%). The lowest unemployment rate was found in Sublette County (1.7%).