The Research & Planning section of the Wyoming Department of Workforce Services reported Monday that the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell from 4.1% in October to 3.7% in November. Wyoming’s unemployment rate has decreased in each of the past five months and is lower than the current U.S. rate of 4.2% and much lower than its November 2020 level of 5.3%.

From October to November, unemployment rates fell in 16 counties, rose in four and remained unchanged in three  others.

Teton County’s unadjusted unemployment rate increased from 1.9% to 2.9% in November; state officials say unemployment often rises in Teton County in November as tourist activity slows between the summer and winter seasons.

Unemployment rates fell in every county from November 2020 to November 2021. Jobless rates were elevated in November 2020 because of the pandemic, and decreases in 2021 represent a return to more normal levels, state officials say. The largest decrease occurred in Natrona County (down from 6.7% to 3.1%), though that remained the highest rate in the state.

At 1.7%, Albany County and Weston County tied for the lowest unemployment rate in November. 

Park County’s rate stood at 2.4%, up by 0.1% from October.

Total nonfarm employment in Wyoming (not seasonally adjusted and measured by place of work) rose from 269,500 jobs in November 2020 to 272,200 in November 2021, an increase of 2,700 jobs (1%).

“Employment was unusually low in November 2020 because of economic disruptions related to the pandemic,” the state said.

Unemployment data from December will be released on Jan. 24.