Unemployment rate drops

Unemployment rates in the State of Wyoming fell to 4.2 percent in December, a significant drop from 4.8 percent in December of 2016.

While the rate decreased, it is still slightly higher than the national average of 4.1 percent.

In Hot Springs County, unemployment dropped .3 percent in December, going from 3.7 percent in November to 3.4 percent in December.

There was a significant drop, .9 percent, from December of 2016 to 2017, however, 30 people left the workforce, making the drop look less significant. Eight people left the workforce from November to December, accounting for most of that .1 percent decrease during the 30-day period.

The largest decrease in the state was in Teton County where they dropped from 6.1 percent to 3.4 percent from November to December. This is attributed to the start of ski season in the area and an increase in tourist activity.

Niobrara County had the lowest unemployment rate with 2.2 percent and the highest was in Fremont County with 5.2 percent unemployment.