October 1998 TRENDS:

Total nonagricultural employment showed a slight increase over the year, comparable to the increase that occurred last month (0.6% and 0.7%, respectively). Natrona County's total employment increased at a greater rate (up 2.0% in July and 4.7% in August); two of the largest percent gains were made in Local Government (11.8%) and Construction (10.0%). August Unemployment Insurance claims were also comparable to those in July, with initial claims down 39.5 percent over the year and continued claims down 17.3 percent over the year. Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) showed little change from July as well, with the labor force gaining 3.3 percent over the year and Wyoming's not seasonally adjusted unemployment rate dropping slightly from 4.0 percent in July to 3.8 percent in August. --GCE