Roosevelt County Ranks 52nd In Unemployment Rate
Gov. Greg Gianforte recently announced Montana’s unemployment rate decreased slightly to 3.2 percent in July. Montana’s unemployment rate was lower than the national unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.
The outlook for Roosevelt County isn’t as bright as other parts of the state. Roosevelt County is tied with Musselshell County for 52nd place with an unemployment level of 4.6 percent. Roosevelt County has lost 38 jobs in the last year.
Counties below Roosevelt and Musselshell are Lincoln at 5.1, Glacier at 5.3 and Big Horn at 6.2 percent.
The five counties with the lowest unemployment rates are Prairie at 1.4, Carter at 1.6, Powder River at 1.7, Garfield at 1.8 and Park at 1.8 percent.
Other eastern Montana counties include Sheridan in 12th at 2.1 percent, Daniels in 17th at 2.3 percent, Richland in 22nd at 2.4, Valley in 22nd at 2.4, Dawson in 26th at 2.5, McCone in 26th at 2.5 and Phillips in 34th at 8.0 percent.
Counties with the most growth include Flathead, which has gained 501 jobs in the past year, Missoula, which has gained 329 jobs, and Park, which has gained 323 jobs.
“As Montana’s unemployment rate continues to decline, businesses across our state are expanding, creating high-paying jobs and opening up new opportunities for our workforce,” Gianforte said in a press release. “Through the 406 JOBS initiative, we are building on our strong momentum and capitalizing on our growing economy to ensure Montanans who are ready to work can get connected to a meaningful career.”
Total employment (which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers) increased by 625 jobs in July, while the labor force remained largely unchanged. The number of unemployed fell by nearly 600 in July, which, combined with increases in employment, resulted in a drop in the unemployment rate. Payroll jobs increased by 700 jobs in July, with growth in professional and business services, retail trade, and wholesale trade employment offsetting declines in accommodation and food service.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.1 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in July. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment.
