Even as the U.S. economy sinks more deeply into recession, job growth in Wyoming remains solid.

The state added 8,200 jobs in November when compared to a year earlier, or an increase of 2.8 percent. It was the fastest job growth in the nation.

Wyoming also registered the lowest seasonally adjusted unemployment rate at 3.2 percent, down from 3.3 percent in October, according to the Research and Planning Section, Wyoming Department of Employment.

In contrast, the U.S. unemployment rate stood at 6.7 percent in November. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported total nonfarm payroll employment has fallen by 1.9 million since the recession began in December 2007. Two-thirds of the losses have occurred in the past three months.

But Wyoming has held a steady course. "It looks about the same as last month, and about the same as the month before," Senior Economist David Bullard said.

Bullard noted that recently release figures from the federal Bureau of Economic Analysis also indicate Wyoming had the fastest growth in personal income between the second and third quarters 2008, led by the natural resources and mining sector.

State employment gains were seen across most sectors of the economy. Government, including schools and hospitals, added 2,300 jobs over the year, while natural resources and mining employment increased by 1,900. Education and health services added 1,100 jobs, while leisure and hospitality grew by 800 jobs.

Sublette County had the lowest unemployment rate at 1.4 percent, followed by Campbell County at 1.8 percent and Albany County at 2.3 percent.

Teton County had the highest rate at 4.5 percent, followed by Platte County at 4.2 percent and Fremont County at 4.1 percent.

The unemployment rate in Natrona County stood at 2.7 percent, with total employment of 39,566.

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

County unemployment rates

Nov 2008 Nov 2007

Albany 2.3 2.3

Big Horn 3.7 4.1

Campbell 1.8 2.1

Carbon 3.4 3.2

Converse 2.8 3.1

Crook 3.0 2.7

Fremont 4.1 3.8

Goshen 3.4 3.3

Hot Springs 3.7 3.3

Johnson 3.3 3.6

Laramie 3.7 3.6

Lincoln 3.2 2.5

Natrona 2.7 2.6

Niobrara 3.4 4.9

Park 3.8 3.8

Platte 4.2 4.4

Sheridan 2.8 2.8

Sublette 1.4 1.5

Sweetwater 2.4 2.3

Teton 4.5 3.7

Uinta 2.9 2.7

Washakie 2.8 3.3

Weston 3.4 3.4

NOTE: Preliminary figures; seasonally unadjusted