Wyoming Labor Force Trends

Wyoming Department of Workforce Services, Research & Planning
Vol. 50 No. 8 — ©August 2013

0113_cover_sm

Also inside August Trends:


Wyoming Occupational Fatalities Increase Slightly in 2012

Figure: Fatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses in Wyoming, 1992-2012

The number of occupational fatalities in Wyoming rose from 32 in 2011 to 35 in 2012, an increase of 3 deaths (9.4%; see Figure). On average, from 1992-2012 there were 34 occupational fatalities each year. In 2012, the largest number of deaths occurred in trade, transportation, & utilities (12, or 34.3% of all deaths; see Table). Within that category, 10 deaths were in transportation & warehousing (28.6%). Natural resources & mining accounted for 10 deaths (28.6%), of which seven were in agriculture (20.0%) and three in mining (8.6%). Three deaths ocurred in construction (8.6%) and three in government (8.6%). Nearly half (48.6%) of workplace fatalities were the result of transportation incidents.

Continue Reading →

Map: Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates, June 2013

Map: Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rates, June 2013

 

 

 

 

 

Wyoming Lags Behind Surrounding States in Job Growth

Figure 1: Over-the-Year Percentage Change in Total Unemployment Insurance Covered Employment for Wyoming and Surrounding States, December 2012

Before the Great Recession, Wyoming’s job growth was generally higher than its neighboring states. During 2008, high oil and natural gas prices spurred energy development in Wyoming, while holding back economic growth in the nation as a whole. During the recession, a sharp drop in energy prices caused larger job losses in Wyoming than were seen in most neighboring states. Wyoming added jobs at a healthy pace early in the recovery, but in the second half of 2012 job growth slowed to very low levels.  

Continue Reading →

Wyoming Unemployment Rate Unchanged at 4.6% in June 2013

Figure: Seasonally Adjusted Unemployment Rate

Wyoming's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.6% (or an estimated 14,086 individuals) in June. It remained significantly lower than both its June 2012 level (5.5%; or an estimated 16,984 individuals) and the current U.S. unemployment rate (7.6%). Seasonally adjusted employment of Wyoming residents grew modestly, rising by 359 individuals (0.1%) from May to June. Most county unemployment rates increased slightly from May to June. Unemployment sometimes rises in June as large numbers of young people leave school and join the labor force.  

Continue Reading →


Table of Contents