Wyoming Unemployment Rate Falls to 4.3% in January 2014

The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 4.4% in December to 4.3% in January. Wyoming’s unemployment rate has been trending downward for the past four years, and remains significantly lower than the current U.S. unemployment rate of 6.6%. Seasonally adjusted employment of Wyoming residents rose, increasing by 1,961 individuals (0.7%) from December to January.

Nearly all county unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and increased from December to January. Seasonal job losses are often seen in January in many sectors, including construction, retail trade, professional & business services, and government. The largest unemployment rate increases were seen in Washakie (up from 4.2% to 5.5%), Lincoln (up from 5.9% to 7.1%), and Fremont (up from 5.6% to 6.6%) counties. Teton County’s unemployment rate fell from 6.4% in December to 4.7% in January as the winter tourist season got into full swing.

From January 2013 to January 2014, unemployment fell in every county, suggesting continued improvement in the state’s economy. Unemployment decreased by a full percentage point or more in 15 of the state’s 23 counties. The largest decreases occurred in Teton (down from 6.4% to 4.7%), Sheridan (down from 7.3% to 5.8%), and Crook (down from 6.5% to 5.0%) counties.

The lowest unemployment rates were found in Sublette (3.6%), Converse (3.7%), and Campbell (4.0%) counties. Lincoln County posted the highest unemployment rate (7.1%). It was followed by Fremont (6.6%), Johnson (6.6%), Big Horn (6.2%), and Park (6.2%) counties.

Total nonfarm employment (measured by place of work) rose from 280,200 in January 2013 to 283,700 in January 2014, a gain of 3,500 jobs (1.2%).

Contacts:
David Bullard, Senior Economist 307-473-3810
Carola Cowan, BLS Programs Supervisor 307-473-3804