Wyoming unemployment falls to 3.6 percent in April

The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 3.7 percent in March to 3.6 percent in April. Wyoming’s unemployment rate was lower than its April 2018 level of 4.0 percent and the same as the current U.S. unemployment rate of 3.6 percent.

Most county unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and fell from March to April. Warmer spring weather often brings job gains in construction, professional & business services, and other sectors. Washakie County’s unemployment rate fell from 5.0 percent to 3.6 percent, Crook County’s rate fell from 4.2 percent to 3.1 percent, and Park County’s rate fell from 4.9 percent to 3.9 percent. Teton County’s unemployment rate rose from 2.4 percent in March to 3.8 percent in April as the ski season ended.

From April 2018 to April 2019, unemployment rates fell in nearly every county, suggesting a general tightening in the state’s labor market. The largest unemployment rate decreases were seen in Lincoln (down from 4.3 percent to 3.1 percent), Fremont (down from 5.1 percent to 3.9 percent), Hot Springs (down from 4.0 percent to 2.9 percent), Natrona (down from 4.5 percent to 3.5 percent), and Converse (down from 3.6 percent to 2.6 percent) counties.

The highest unemployment rates in Wyoming were found in Big Horn County at 4.5 percent and Fremont, Park, and Uinta counties, all at 3.9 percent. The lowest unemployment rates were reported in Niobrara County at 2.2 percent and Albany and Converse counties, both at 2.6 percent.

Total nonfarm employment in Wyoming (not seasonally adjusted and measured by place of work) increased from 279,400 in April 2018 to 283,500 in April 2019, a gain of 4100 jobs (1.5 percent).