Wyoming unemployment holds steady in January

Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January was 4.1 percent. The rate is unchanged from December, but down significantly from the 4.7 percent recorded in January of last year.

Much of the improvement could be attributed to a falling labor force. Wyoming’s work force decreased by 4,330 people in January, down 1.5 percent. According to the Research and Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services the labor force decline indicates people may have moved to other states or given up their job search.

Most county unemployment rates followed normal seasonal patterns and increased from December to January. Over the course of the year, unemployment rates fell in every county. The largest decreases were seen in energy producing areas.