Wyoming Unemployment Rises to 3.1% in August, but Numbers Still Looking Strong
Written by Caleb Nelson on September 19, 2022
The Research and Planning segment of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose slightly from “3.0% in July to 3.1% in August.” Despite this slight increase, Wyoming’s unemployment rate is much lower than its year-ago level of 4.3% and lower than the current U.S. rate of “3.7%.”
From July to August, according to data provided by the Department of Workforce Services, most county unemployment rates increased slightly. The largest increases occurred in Crook (up from 2.2% to 3.5%), Carbon (up from 2.7% to 3.1%), Natrona (up from 3.6% to 3.9%), and Niobrara (up from 2.2% to 2.5%) counties.
From August 2021 to 2022, unemployment rates “fell in most counties,” according to a recent press release. The largest decreases were seen in Natrona (down from 5.4% to 3.9%), Campbell (down from 4.8% to 3.3%), Converse (down from 4.1% to 2.8%), Sublette (down from 4.6% to 3.4%), and Sweetwater (down from 5.0% to 3.9%) counties. Since unemployment rates were elevated during 2021, the decreases this year reflect a return to “more normal levels.”
In August, the highest unemployment rates were found in Natrona and Sweetwater counties (both around 3.9%). Teton County posted the lowest unemployment rate at 1.7% followed by Weston County as 2.2% and Niobrara and Goshen counties (both at 2.5%).
Total nonfarm employment in Wyoming (not seasonally adjusted and measured by place of work) rose from “284,000 in August 2021” to “292,000 in August 2022.” This represents an increase of nearly “8,100 jobs” or 2.9%. Employment was unusually low in 2021 because of economic disruptions related to the pandemic.
