Wyoming created new jobs at the fastest pace in the nation last month, according to figures released Wednesday.

The Research and Planning Section, Wyoming Department of Employment said the number of jobs increased by 4.8 percent in November 2006 when compared to November 2005, or by 12,800 jobs.

The natural resources and mining sector increased by 3,700 jobs over the year, followed by construction with 3,100 jobs.

Other strong growth was registered in wholesale trade with 800 additional jobs, transportation and utilities with 700 jobs, professional and business services with 900 jobs, and "other services" with 900 jobs. Other services includes repair and maintenance services.

At the same time, the unemployment rate dipped from 3.3 percent in October to 3 percent in November.

The size of the state's labor force increased by 6,008, or 2.1 percent, in November 2006 when compared to year-earlier figures. The labor force is defined as the sum of employed and unemployed individuals.

Between October and November, total employment fell by 3,500, or 1.2 percent, which is consistent with historical seasonal patterns.

Job gains in educational and health services were more than offset by losses in construction, manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and other services.

Teton County posted the largest increase in the unemployment rate, which climbed from 2.5 percent in October to 3.6 percent in November.

The highest unemployment rates overall were in Platte County at 4.4 percent, Big Horn County at 3.9 percent and Fremont County at 3.7 percent.

The lowest rates were in Sublette County at 1.6 percent and Campbell County at 2 percent.

The unemployment rate in Natrona County was 2.7 percent, up from 2.6 percent in October. Total employment in the county stood at 40,235.

County unemployment rates

November 2006* November 2005

Albany 2.1 2.6

Big Horn 3.9 3.9

Campbell 2.0 2.4

Carbon 3.2 3.9

Converse 2.9 3.3

Crook 2.5 3.0

Fremont 3.7 4.3

Goshen 3.1 3.8

Hot Springs 3.1 4.1

Johnson 2.7 3.1

Laramie 3.6 3.7

Lincoln 3.1 3.7

Natrona 2.7 3.2

Niobrara 3.6 3.5

Park 3.5 3.9

Platte 4.4 4.7

Sheridan 2.8 3.4

Sublette 1.6 1.6

Sweetwater 2.3 2.8

Teton 3.6 4.3

Uinta 3.0 3.2

Washakie 3.2 3.7

Weston 3.0 3.6

*Preliminary figures

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Business Editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@casperstartribune.net, or call 307-266-0574.