Wyoming Employment Growth Strong; Unemployment Rate Declines in October
by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

"Establishment survey data show that 4,900 jobs were created in Wyoming during October 2000 compared with October 1999."

Wyoming’s employment growth increased to 2.1 percent in October and surpassed the U.S. growth of 1.8 percent. This was the first time since January 2000 that Wyoming employment has grown faster than the U.S. Establishment survey data show that 4,900 jobs were created in Wyoming during October 2000 compared with October 1999.

Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 3.8 percent from 4.4 percent in September and 4.7 percent a year before. The U.S. unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.9 percent.

Industries with strong growth in October included Construction (1,000 jobs or 5.4%), Mining (800 jobs or 4.9%) and Manufacturing (500 jobs or 4.3%). Within Mining, small job losses in coal mining (-100 jobs or -2.1%) were more than offset by large gains in oil & gas extraction (900 jobs or 10.7%). Retail Trade added 900 jobs or 2.0 percent when compared with October 1999. Services and Government each gained 700 jobs.

Laramie County added 700 jobs for an over-the-year growth rate of 1.9 percent. The largest job gains in Laramie County occurred in Retail Trade, which added 300 jobs or 3.9 percent. Employment in Natrona County grew by 1,000 jobs or 3.2 percent. The fastest growing industries in Natrona County were Mining (300 jobs or 16.7%), Manufacturing (200 jobs or 14.3%) and Retail Trade (200 jobs or 3.2%).

The number of unemployed in the state fell to 8,581 in October, a drop of 2,179 individuals or 20.3 percent from the year before. Labor force, the total number of employed and unemployed persons, grew only slightly, increasing by 1,849 people or 0.7 percent.

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