Wyoming’s December Unemployment Rises to 3.5%, Still Below National Average

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services’ Research & Planning section reported a slight rise in the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, increasing from 3.3% in November to 3.5% in December 2024, GoCoNow reports.

While this marks a gradual upward trend over recent months, Wyoming’s unemployment rate remains below the national average of 4.1%.

The increase from November to December follows a typical seasonal pattern as colder weather affects sectors like construction, leading to job losses. Notable unemployment increases were observed in Niobrara County, where rates rose from 2.6% to 3.6%, Big Horn County (from 3.8% to 4.4%), and Sweetwater County (from 3.7% to 4.3%).

However, some counties saw positive trends. Teton County’s unemployment rate declined from 4.3% to 3.0%, driven by the onset of the winter tourist season. Johnson County’s rate remained steady at 3.3%.

Compared to December 2023, when the state’s unemployment rate stood at 2.9%, every county experienced higher jobless rates by December 2024. The most significant increases were observed in Hot Springs County (up from 2.3% to 3.9%), Sublette County (up from 3.1% to 4.7%), and Sweetwater County (up from 2.9% to 4.3%).

Converse, Teton, and Weston counties reported the lowest unemployment rate in December at 3.0%, while Sublette County had the highest at 4.7%, followed by Big Horn at 4.4% and Sweetwater at 4.3%.

Despite rising unemployment, Wyoming added jobs over the past year. Current Employment Statistics (CES) data indicated that total nonfarm employment increased by 5,100 jobs (1.8%) from December 2023 to December 2024, rising from 290,800 to 295,900 jobs.

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services will release January 2025 unemployment data on March 18.