Wyoming Unemployment Rate Falls to 5.5% in August 2016

The Research & Planning News Release featuring employment data for August 2016 is now available on the Internet via
http://doe.state.wy.us/LMI/news.htm

The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 5.7% in July to 5.5% in August (not a statistically significant change). Wyoming’s unemployment rate was significantly higher than its August 2015 level of 4.3% and higher than the current U.S. unemployment rate of 4.9%. 

From July to August, unemployment rates fell in 21 counties and were unchanged in Laramie and Carbon counties. County unemployment rates often fall in August as employment increases in construction and other sectors. The largest unemployment rate decreases occurred in Campbell (down from 7.5% to 6.8%), Sweetwater (down from 6.3% to 5.7%), Uinta (down from 5.7% to 5.2%), Natrona (down from 7.3% to 6.8%), Fremont (down from 7.1% to 6.6%), and Converse (down from 6.5% to 6.0%) counties.

From August 2015 to August 2016, unemployment rates increased in most areas of the state. The largest increases were seen in Campbell (up from 3.6% to 6.8%), Converse (up from 3.5% to 6.0%), Natrona (up from 4.8% to 6.8%), and Weston (up from 3.0% to 4.9%) counties. Teton County’s unemployment rate fell very slightly (down from 2.1% to 2.0%) and Lincoln County’s unemployment rate was unchanged (3.8%). 

In August 2016, seven counties had unemployment rates that were higher than the statewide not seasonally adjusted average of 4.9%, and 15 counties had lower unemployment rates. Weston County’s unemployment rate (4.9%) was the same as the statewide average. Teton County had the lowest unemployment rate (2.0%). It was followed by Niobrara, Goshen, and Albany counties (all 3.3%). The highest unemployment rates were reported in Campbell and Natrona counties (both 6.8%).

Total nonfarm employment (not seasonally adjusted and measured by place of work) fell from 295,900 in August 2015 to 287,400 in August 2016, a decrease of 8,500 jobs (or –2.9%; a statistically significant decrease).

Research & Planning has scheduled the September employment news release for October 25, 2016.