Wyoming job growth continued at a healthy clip in June, propelled by a natural resources and mining sector that shows no signs of slackening.

The state gained 6,200 jobs when June 2005 is compared to June 2004, the Wyoming Department of Employment, Research and Planning Section reported Tuesday, an increase of 2.3 percent.

Much of the growth was in natural resources and mining, but other sectors posted healthy increases as well.

Mining and natural resources increased by 2,200 jobs, or by 10.9 percent. Other significant increases were in construction, which increased by 900 jobs, or 4.3 percent; leisure and hospitality, with an additional 900 job, or a 2.5 percent increase; professional and business services, with an increase of 600 jobs, or growth of 3.7 percent; and educational and health services, up by 600 jobs, or 2.8 percent.

David Bullard, senior economist, said it is difficult to tell when growth in mining and natural resources employment might peak. That will depend upon such factors as commodity prices, when projects reach optimal employment levels and available labor supply.

He added that construction job growth in June "was up quite a bit more than we've seen in previous months." He attributed the increase to a range of building activities, including school construction projects.

At the same time, the state's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined from 4.1 percent in May to 3.7 percent in June. The U.S. unemployment rate for June was 5 percent. Wyoming's rate was tied for sixth lowest in the nation with Minnesota and was lower than surrounding states.

The total state labor force - defined as all employed and unemployed persons - increased by over 5,000, or 1.8 percent, when June was compared to year earlier figures.

From May to June, Wyoming gained 9,100 jobs or 3.5 percent. The increase reflected normal seasonal patterns for the state, according to a press release. Warmer weather and the start of the summer tourist season resulted in seasonal job gains in several sectors, including construction, retail trade, professional and business services, and leisure and hospitality.

Government employment fell slightly as some public schools and colleges began summer vacation.

Unemployment followed a similar seasonal pattern and declined between May and June in every county. The largest decrease was in Teton County, which fell from 3.7 percent in May to 2.7 percent in June.

The highest unemployment rate was in Fremont County at 4.7 percent, followed by Platte and Big Horn counties at 4.3 percent.

The lowest unemployment rate was in Sublette County at 2 percent, followed by Campbell County at 2.6 percent and Teton County at 2.7 percent.

County unemployment rates*

Albany 3.2

Big Horn 4.3

Campbell 2.6

Carbon 3.8

Converse 3.6

Crook 3.1

Fremont 4.7

Goshen 4.2

Hot Springs 3.8

Johnson 3.1

Laramie 4.1

Lincoln 3.5

Natrona 3.4

Niobrara 3.6

Park 3.3

Platte 4.3

Sheridan 3.5

Sublette 2.0

Sweetwater 3.1

Teton 2.7

Uinta 3.6

Washakie 4.2

Weston 4.0

*Data is preliminary

Business editor Tom Mast can be reached at tom.mast@casperstartribune.net, or by calling 307-266-0574.