Wyoming Leads Nation in Percentage of Government Workers

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — A new report says government workers make up a larger percentage of Wyoming's workforce than any other state in the country.

The report by 24/7 Wall Street says state, federal and local government employees account for about 25 percent of the Wyoming workforce.

The financial news and opinion company based its report Tuesday on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Other low-population, energy-rich states made the top five, including Alaska, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

State economist Jim Robinson says the high level of government employment is not surprising for a state with a small population.