Wyoming’s Unemployment Rate Drops Slightly to 3.5% in February

Wyoming’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged down to 3.5% in February, a slight decrease from 3.6% in January, according to the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services.

While the rate remains higher than February 2024’s 2.8%, it continues to sit well below the national unemployment rate of 4.1%.

Between February 2024 and February 2025, unemployment rates rose in 14 counties, remained unchanged in three, and declined in six. The largest increases occurred in Niobrara, Crook, and Sublette counties, while Washakie, Johnson, and Hot Springs counties saw the most significant declines.

Among Wyoming counties, Big Horn County recorded the highest unemployment rate at 5%, while Teton and Albany counties had the lowest rates, both under 3%.

Initial unemployment claims in February rose by 13.2% compared to last year, with 1,699 claims filed, an increase of 198 from February 2024. However, compared to January 2025, claims dropped by 24.3% (546 fewer claims), aligning with the typical seasonal pattern of higher claims in January.

Meanwhile, Wyoming’s total nonfarm employment (not seasonally adjusted) grew over the past year. The state added 4,800 jobs (a 1.7% increase), with employment rising from 286,300 in February 2024 to 291,100 in February 2025.

With input from Wyoming Public Media.