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

WYOMING LABOR FORCE TRENDS

Vol. 42 No. 12

Wyoming Job Growth Continues in October 2005

by: David Bullard, Senior Economist

Wyoming job growth continued as 7,500 new jobs (2.9%) were created compared to October 2004. As in previous months, significant growth occurred in Natural Resources & Mining (including oil & gas) and Construction.

It appears that Wyoming’s economy is benefiting from relatively high energy prices. The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate held steady at 4.1% and remained well below the U.S. unemployment rate of 5.0%. From September to October, employment followed its normal seasonal pattern and declined by 2,800 jobs or 1.0%. Seasonal job losses in Construction (-700 jobs or -3.2%), Retail Trade (-600 jobs or -1.9%), and Leisure & Hospitality (-3,500 jobs or -10.2%) were partially offset by gains in Educational & Health Services (300 jobs or 1.3%) and Government (1,800 jobs or 2.8%). Government job gains were found primarily in local government education (including public school districts and community colleges).

Over the year, Natural Resources & Mining added 2,000 jobs or 9.4% and Construction gained 1,500 jobs or 7.5%. Other growing industries included Educational & Health Services (800 jobs or 3.7%), Transportation, Warehousing, & Utilities (400 jobs or 3.3%), and Professional & Business Services (400 jobs or 2.6%).

Across Wyoming’s 23 counties unemployment remained low in October. Platte County posted the highest unemployment rate (4.6%) followed by Fremont (4.4%). Laramie (4.1%), Goshen (4.1%), and Hot Springs (4.1%) counties were the only other areas with rates exceeding 4.0%.

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