CASPER, Wyo. — Natrona County’s economic landscape presented a puzzling picture in March, as a key health index nudged upward despite rising unemployment and a dip in sales tax revenue, according to the latest Casper Economic Indicators report released by the State of Wyoming’s Economic Analysis Division.

The Casper Economic Health Index is a tool that helps assess the economy of Natrona County. In March, it had a value of 105.7, which is slightly higher than the 105.5 reported in March 2024. That marks the second increase in the index over the past six months.

The CaEHI is made up of four parts: the employment rate calculated from the unemployment rate, total nonfarm jobs, sales and use tax collections, and average home value. All the parts are adjusted for seasonal changes, and the tax collections and home values are adjusted for inflation. The different parts are weighted according to their reliability, meaning the more stable data has a bigger effect on the index.

Here’s a breakdown of the indicators for March:

Unemployment Rate: Natrona County’s unemployment rate in March was 3.7%, up from 3.4% in March 2024. The rate matches the statewide unemployment rate. It represents the percentage of people looking for work but who are unemployed.

Natrona County’s unemployment rate in March was 3.7%, up from 3.4% in March 2024. The rate matches the statewide unemployment rate. It represents the percentage of people looking for work but who are unemployed. Total Non-Farm Payroll Jobs: The total number of non-farm payroll jobs in Natrona County reached 40,400 in March 2025. That’s a slight increase of 100 jobs, or 0.2%, compared to March 2024.

The total number of non-farm payroll jobs in Natrona County reached 40,400 in March 2025. That’s a slight increase of 100 jobs, or 0.2%, compared to March 2024. Sales and Use Tax Collections: In March, the state’s 4% sales and use tax collections reached $9 million, which is a decrease of $0.2 million, or 2.1%, from March 2024. The collections for March 2025 represent sales activity from about a month earlier due to a usual collection delay.

In March, the state’s 4% sales and use tax collections reached $9 million, which is a decrease of $0.2 million, or 2.1%, from March 2024. The collections for March 2025 represent sales activity from about a month earlier due to a usual collection delay. Average Home Value: In March, the average home value in Natrona County was $305,000, a 6.7% increase from March 2024. This component of the CaEHI showed the highest year-over-year hike, rising 4.2%.

The full Casper Economic Indicators: May 2025 Report is available below.