The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rose from 3.3% in September to 3.5% in October. Wyoming’s unemployment rate is much lower than its year-ago level of 4.0% and slightly lower than the current U.S. rate of 3.7%.
From September to October most county unemployment rates followed their normal seasonal pattern and increased slightly. In October, colder weather often brings seasonal job losses in leisure & hospitality, construction, professional & business services, and other services. The largest unemployment rate increases were seen in Teton (up from 1.9% to 2.5%), Park (up from 2.7% to 3.0%), and Platte (up from 2.8% to 3.1%) counties.
From October 2021 to October 2022, unemployment rates fell in most counties. The largest decreases occurred in Converse (down from 3.5% to 2.6%), Campbell (down from 4.1% to 3.2%), Natrona (down from 4.6% to 3.8%), and Sublette (down from 4.2% to 3.6%) counties. Jobless rates rose in Washakie (up from 3.0% to 3.4%) and Carbon (up from 3.0% to 3.4%) counties.
In October, the highest unemployment rates were found in Sweetwater County at 3.9%, Natrona County at 3.8%, Sublette County at 3.6%, and Fremont County at 3.5%. Weston County reported the lowest unemployment rate at 2.2%, and it was followed by Teton, Niobrara, and Crook counties, each at 2.5%.
Total nonfarm employment in Wyoming (not seasonally adjusted and measured by place of work) rose from 282,100 in October 2021 to 286,800 in October 2022, an increase of 4,700 jobs (1.7%).
Research & Planning has scheduled the November unemployment news release for December 19, 2022.