Inflation at 2.4 Percent Statewide, 2.5 Percent in Central Wyo.

The cost of goods and services in Wyoming is up slightly compared to a year ago.

The Economic Analysis Division of the Wyoming Department of Administration and Information says the average statewide inflation rate for the second quarter of 2012 is at 2.4 percent.

Senior economist Amy Bittner says the inflation rate in the central Wyoming region – which includes Natrona County, Converse County and Fremont County – is slightly higher compared to the rest of the state.

Over the year for the central region, we saw an increase of 2.5 percent,” Bittner said. “That’s comparing second quarter of 2011 and second quarter of 2012.”

The state’s northwest region, which includes Park County, Teton County, Big Horn County, Washakie County and Hot Springs County, recorded the highest annual inflation rate for the second quarter of 2012 at 3.8 percent. The northeast region, which includes Sheridan County, Campbell County, Crook County, Johnson County and Weston County, boasts the state’s lowest inflation for the second quarter of 2012 at 1.5 percent.

Bittner says inflation is measured by comparing housing, food, medical, recreation and transportation costs.

The full report can be found at the Wyoming Department of Administration and Information’s website.