Wyoming unemployment rate improves as labor force shrinks

Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell to 4.9 percent in November, down from 5.1 percent in October. The Research and Planning Section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services said employment rose by 1,749 workers over the month, although overall employment was well below last year’s level. Wyoming’s labor force declined in over-the-year comparisons for each of the past 25 months. Total non-farm employment fell from 285,400 in November 2015 to 276,600 in November 2016, a decrease of 8,800 jobs. The department called that -3.1 percent reduction a “statistically significant” decrease. In Teton County, unemployment rose from 3.1 percent to 5.6 percent in November as the summer tourist season ended and the ski season had not yet begun.