The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services (WDWS) reported a modest increase in the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, which rose from 3.3% in November 2024 to 3.5% in December 2024, Buckrail reports.
This marks a gradual upward trend compared to December 2023, when the unemployment rate stood at 2.9%. Despite the rise, Wyoming’s rate remains below the current national average of 4.1%.
The WDWS attributed the December increase to seasonal factors, stating that jobless rates frequently rise during colder months as sectors like construction experience job losses.
In contrast to statewide trends, Teton County’s unemployment rate fell significantly from 4.3% in November to 3.0% in December, coinciding with the onset of the winter tourist season. Teton County tied with Weston County for the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.0%.
While unemployment rates increased in most counties from December 2023 to December 2024, some regions reported particularly high rates:
- Sublette County: 4.7%
- Big Horn County: 4.4%
- Sweetwater County: 4.3%
Despite the rising unemployment rate, Wyoming saw job growth in December. Current Employment Statistics (CES) estimates show that total nonfarm employment rose from 290,800 jobs in December 2023 to 295,900 jobs in December 2024, an increase of 5,100 jobs (1.8%).
The WDWS plans to release January unemployment data on March 18, 2025.
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