Counties in Profile: Sheridan, page 2

   Chart 3: Total Employment, 1969-1999

Chart 3 highlights employment in Sheridan County. Employment is one of the most commonly used measures of health in a community. It gives a quick snap shot of the percentage of the population working and whether more or less jobs are available   over time. The chart above shows "total employment" which includes both full and part-time jobs. A slow but steady increase in the employment level is indicated by the upward trend of the columns. The hump in the late 1970's to early 1980's is likely associated with energy related employment. Overall job growth during the period was 93% or 3% annually. This compares favorably with the statewide value of 104% or 3.2% annually.

Chart 4: Population, 1969-1999

Chart 4 shows the population for Sheridan county. The graph follows the familiar pattern seen in other Wyoming counties with a hump in the early 1980's often associated with the energy boom years. Population in 1969 was 17,759 residents. By 1984, the peak year it had risen to 26,936. After a dip in the late 1980's the population in 1999 stood at 25,090. Overall, population grew during the period shown by 41% or an annual growth rate of 1.3%.