Wyoming’s total resident population increased 930 people from July 2013 to July 2014, the slowest pace since 2001, according to Wyoming's Economic Analysis Division. Between July 2012 and July 2013, the state grew by more than 3,000 people.
Teton County had the fastest growing population at 2.5 percent between July 2013 and July 2014. Crook and Lincoln counties each increased by 1 percent.
People move to areas where jobs are available, according to a release from the economic analysis division. Teton County has strong construction, services and tourism-related jobs.
More than half of Wyoming’s counties shrank. Niobrara, converse and Washakie counties decreased by at least 1.5 percent. The economic analysis division blames the decreases on a drop in natural gas prices and lost jobs in the mineral extraction industry. Oil states such as North Dakota, Texas and Colorado all expanded, which attracted Wyoming energy workers.