Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years
CHEYENNE — The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported Tuesday that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell significantly from 5.1 percent in October to 4.9 percent in November.
Wyoming’s unemployment rate remained higher than the current U.S. rate (4.6 percent) and significantly higher than its November 2015 level of 4.3 percent. Seasonally adjusted employment of Wyoming residents increased significantly from October to November, rising by an estimated 1,749 individuals (0.6 percent). However, employment remained well below last year’s level (down 3,735 individuals, or –1.3 percent). Additionally, Wyoming’s labor force has declined in over-the-year comparisons for each of the past 25 months.
From October to November, unemployment rates decreased slightly in 17 counties and increased in five counties, while Johnson County’s unemployment rate was unchanged. In Teton County, unemployment rose from 3.1 percent to 5.6 percent as the summer tourist season had ended and the ski season had not begun. The largest decrease in unemployment occurred in Campbell County (down from 6.3 percent to 5.9 percent).
The lowest unemployment rates in November were found in Albany (2.6 percent), Niobrara (2.6 percent), and Goshen (2.7 percent) counties. The highest rates were reported in Natrona (6.0 percent), Campbell (5.9 percent), and Fremont (5.8 percent) counties.
Washakie County had a rate of 3.6 percent in November, down slightly from 3.8 percent in October. Washakie County also had the same 3.8 percent a year ago, November 2015. Hot Springs County had a slight decrease from 4.4 percent in October to 4.2 percent in November. The 4.2 percent was an increase from a year ago when the jobless rate in November was 4.0 percent. Big Horn County dropped from 4.3 percent November 2015 to 4.1 percent this year. The rate in November 2016, however, was an increase from the 3.9 percent in October 2016.
In Wyoming, from November 2015 to November 2016, unemployment rates fell in 11 counties, rose in 10 counties, and were unchanged in two counties (Johnson and Platte). Sizeable declines were seen in Teton (down from 6.7 percent to 5.6 percent), Lincoln (down from 4.5 percent to 3.8 percent), Sheridan (down from 4.2 percent to 3.7 percent), and Park (down from 4.8 percent to 4.3 percent) counties. The largest unemployment rate increases occurred in Campbell (up from 4.0 percent to 5.9 percent), Weston (up from 3.0 percent to 4.5 percent), Converse (up from 3.7 percent to 5.1 percent), and Natrona (up from 5.2 percent to 6.0 percent) counties.
Total nonfarm employment (not seasonally adjusted and measured by place of work) fell from 285,400 in November 2015 to 276,600 in November 2016, a decrease of 8,800 jobs (or –3.1 percent; a statistically significant decrease).
Research & Planning has scheduled the December employment news release for January 24, 2017.