Unemployment Rate Stays Below 3 Percent
Gov. Greg Gianforte announced last week that Montana’s unemployment rate in July is below 3 percent for the 21st consecutive month.
The only other time Montana’s unemployment rate was below 3 percent for three months was in 2007, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Gianforte also announced Montana’s total employment reached an all-time high, with nearly 563,000 Montanans working in July.
“Montana continues breaking records for job creation and employment because of Montanans’ hard work and our pro-jobs, progrowth policies,” Gianforte said. “Skilled workers with our strong Montana work ethic are in high demand. We’ll continue to prioritize trades education and expand apprenticeship opportunities to empower Montana workers and ensure Montana employers have a highly skilled workforce.”
Total employment in Montana has grown every month of 2023, reaching a record high in July of 562,898 workers.
In July, Montana’s labor force also grew by more than 600 workers, adding 7,500 workers since the start of the year.
As in June, labor force growth slightly outpaced growth in total employment, leading to a slight increase in the state’s unemployment rate to 2.5 percent.
Daniels and Fallon counties top the state with unemployment of only 1.5 percent. Tying for third at 1.6 percent are Powder River, Sheridan and Gallatin counties. Meagher County is sixth at 1.7 percent.
The counties with the highest unemployment are Glacier at 5.0, Lincoln at 4.2, Big Horn at 3.8, Sanders at 3.7, Rosebud at 3.6, Phillips at 3.6 and Mineral at 3.6.
Roosevelt County ranks 49th with an employment rate of 3.5 percent.
Richland County ranks 28th at 2.4 percent.
