CHEYENNE – The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’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. The largest increases occurred in Albany (up from 3.4% to 4.4%), Platte (up from 4.0% to 4.9%), and Niobrara (up from 3.1% to 3.9%) counties. Unemployment decreased in Teton (down from 6.4% to 3.9%) and Park (down from 4.5% to 4.4%) counties and was unchanged in Lincoln County (5.3%).

Sublette County posted the lowest unemployment rate in June (3.3%). It was followed by Converse (3.6%), Teton (3.9%), Niobrara (3.9%), and Campbell (3.9%) counties. The highest unemployment rates were found in Fremont (5.8%), Big Horn (5.4%), Goshen (5.3%), and Lincoln (5.3%) counties.

From June 2012 to June 2013, unemployment rates fell in every county. The largest decreases occurred in Lincoln (down from 7.2% to 5.3%), Laramie (down from 6.3% to 4.9%), and Sheridan (down from 6.2% to 4.9%) counties.

Total nonfarm employment (measured by place of work) increased from 298,500 in June 2012 to 300,600 in June 2013, a gain of 2,100 jobs (0.7%).

Research & Planning has scheduled the July employment news release for August 20, 2013.