Wyoming unemployment sees a small increase in June

CHEYENNE – The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rose slightly from 3.8 percent in May to 4.0 percent in June 2014 (not a statistically significant change).

Since March 2014, Wyoming’s unemployment rate has remained within the narrow range of 3.7 percent to 4.0 percent. Unemployment in Wyoming was much lower than its June 2013 level of 4.6 percent, and significantly lower than the current U.S. unemployment rate of 6.1%. Seasonally adjusted employment of Wyoming residents decreased slightly, falling by an estimated 822 individuals (-0.3%) from May to June.

Most county unemployment rates increased slightly from May to June. Unemployment sometimes rises in June as the school year ends and youths and other seasonal workers begin searching for work. The largest unemployment rate increases were found in Albany (up from 3.4 percent to 4.6 percent), Platte (up from 3.7 percent to 4.9 percent), and Weston (up from 3.7 percent to 4.6 percent) counties. Teton County’s unemployment rate fell from 5.7 percent to 3.3 percent as employers hired workers for the summer tourist season.

Advertisement - Story continues below...

From June 2013 to June 2014, unemployment rates fell in 17 counties, were unchanged in three counties and increased in three counties. The largest decreases occurred in Sheridan (down from 5.0 percent to 4.4 percent), Campbell (down from 4.0 percent to 3.4 percent), and Teton (down from 3.8 percent to 3.3 percent) counties.

Fremont County posted the highest unemployment rate in June (5.5 percent). It was followed by Lincoln (5.1 percent), Big Horn (5.0 percent), and Johnson (4.9 percent) counties. The lowest unemployment rates were found in Teton (3.3 percent), Sublette (3.3 percent), Converse (3.4 percent), and Campbell (3.4 percent) counties.

Total nonfarm employment (measured by place of work) rose from 299,100 in June 2013 to 301,700 in June 2014, a gain of 2,600 jobs (0.9 percent).

Research & Planning has scheduled the July employment news release for August 18, 2014.