WYOMING – Wyoming’s population was estimated as 585,501 in July 2016, according to the US Census Bureau. That represents a 0.2 percent decline from the previous year—or a net outmigration of 1,054 people. It’s the first time Wyoming population has shrunk since 1990.

With births outpacing deaths 7,590 to 4,838 from July 2016 to July 2016, that means about 3,800 more people left the state than moved in.

Goshen County led the state with the steepest population decrease of 1.5 percent between July 2015 and July 2016. Hot Springs, Natrona, and Platte counties also experienced sharp declines of 1.4 percent, each.

Layoffs in the energy sector are being blamed for the net loss across the state. Negative net migration was highest in Natrona, Campbell, and Sweetwater counties. Moderate population growth was demonstrated only in Albany, Crook, and Teton counties. Only Albany, Lincoln, and Teton counties experienced employment growth in the 2016 as well.