By Staff 5-24,2016
The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported today that the
state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased significantly from 5.2% in March to 5.5% in April.
Wyoming’s unemployment rate was considerably higher than its April 2015 level of 4.1% (a statistically significant
increase) and higher than the current U.S. unemployment rate of 5.0%.
From March to April, unemployment rates fell in 17 counties and rose in six counties. The largest increases
occurred in Teton (up from 3.5% to 6.4%), Weston (up from 4.6% to 5.8%), and Campbell (up from 7.1% to
7.9%) counties. Unemployment usually increases in Teton County in April as the ski season has ended but the
summer tourist season has not started. The largest decreases were seen in Sheridan (down from 5.6% to 4.7%),
Platte (down from 5.4% to 4.8%), and Park (down from 5.7% to 5.1%) counties.
From April 2015 to April 2016, unemployment rates increased in 22 counties and fell in Teton County (down
from 6.7% to 6.4%). Large increases were seen in Campbell (up from 3.6% to 7.9%), Converse (up from 3.4%
to 6.5%), Natrona (up from 4.6% to 7.5%), and Fremont (up from 5.1% to 7.4%) counties.
In April, Campbell County posted the highest unemployment rate (7.9%). It was followed by Natrona (7.5%),
Fremont (7.4%), and Sublette (7.2%) counties. The lowest unemployment rates were found in Albany (3.0%),
Niobrara (3.1%), and Goshen (3.6%) counties.
Total nonfarm employment (measured by place of work) fell from 286,700 in April 2015 to 275,100 in April
2016, a decrease of 11,600 jobs (or –4.0%; a statistically significant decrease).