The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services’ Research & Planning division has reported a slight rise in the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, increasing from 3.2% in October to 3.3% in November, GoCoNow reports.
Although higher than the 2.9% recorded in November 2023, Wyoming’s unemployment rate remains below the current US average of 4.2%.
Unemployment rates across most Wyoming counties followed expected seasonal patterns, increasing due to typical layoffs in industries such as leisure and hospitality. Teton County experienced one of the largest increases, with its rate rising from 2.6% to 4.4%. Other notable increases were reported in:
- Sublette County: 3.5% to 4.5%
- Park County: 2.7% to 3.6%
- Hot Springs County: 2.7% to 3.4%
Niobrara County was the only county in Wyoming where the unemployment rate remained unchanged, holding steady at 2.6%.
When compared to November 2023, unemployment rates rose in all counties across the state. The most significant year-over-year increases occurred in:
- Sublette County: 3.1% to 4.5%
- Teton County: 3.2% to 4.4%
- Carbon County: 2.6% to 3.7%
- Platte County: 2.5% to 3.6%
Western Wyoming saw the highest unemployment rates in November, with Sublette County at 4.5%, Teton County at 4.4%, and Uinta County at 4.0%. Conversely, Niobrara and Converse counties reported the lowest rates, each at 2.6%.
Despite the uptick in unemployment, Wyoming’s total nonfarm employment increased from 291,400 in November 2023 to 295,100 in November 2024. This represents a gain of 3,700 jobs, or a 1.3% increase.
Unemployment data for December 2024 will be published on January 29, 2025.
