Wyoming Unemployment Falls to 3.1% in September
Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.4% in August to 3.1% in September. It remained below its September 2006 level of 3.6% and the U.S. unemployment rate of 4.7%. Nonagricultural employment continued to grow (up 9,700 jobs or 3.4% from September 2006). August’s employment estimates were revised down by 500 jobs (0.2%).
From August to September employment rose by 300 jobs (0.1%). This level of increase is consistent with normal seasonal patterns. Seasonal job losses in retail trade (-800 jobs or -2.4%), professional & business services (-600 jobs or -3.1%), and leisure & hospitality (-2,800 jobs or -7.2%) were more than offset by job gains in government (4,800 jobs or 7.7%). Government job gains were primarily related to public schools and colleges starting a new school year.
Over the year Wyoming gained 9,700 jobs (3.4%). Construction added the most jobs (1,600 or 6.2%) when compared to September 2006. Strong job growth was also seen in wholesale trade (800 jobs or 9.6%), transportation, warehousing, & utilities (1,000 jobs or 7.3%), professional & business services (1,100 jobs or 6.2%), and other services (500 jobs or 4.5%). Information employment fell slightly (-100 jobs or -2.4%) and manufacturing employment was unchanged from a year earlier.
Unemployment rates remained low across all Wyoming counties. Big Horn County posted the highest unemployment rate (3.5%) followed by Platte and Niobrara counties (both 3.4%). Most unemployment rates decreased from September 2006 to September 2007. The largest decrease was found in Lincoln County (down from 2.9% to 2.0%) followed by Fremont County (down from 3.9% to 3.1%).
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by April Szuch.
