Montana Unemployment Falls To Record Low
Montana’s unemployment rate reached yet another alltime low in March, ticking down to 2.3 percent from 2.4 percent in February, the fourth lowest rate in the nation. Montana’s unemployment rate has fallen for four consecutive months, and the number of unemployed Montanans reached an all-time low in March.
Montana’s total employment and labor force continued to show strong growth in March, also setting new record highs.
“With our pro-jobs, pro-family policies and the unparalleled work ethic of Montanans, our economy is setting the standard for the nation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “We’ll continue to work with job creators to bring new folks into the workforce and make sure they get the training and skills they need to succeed, thrive, and prosper.”
Roosevelt County ranks 45th in the state at 3.7 percent.
The counties with the lowest unemployment were Carter at 1.6, Fallon at 1.7, Toole at 1.7, Daniels at 1.8 and Wibaux at 1.8 percent.
Counties with the highest unemployment are Lincoln at 6.1, Mineral at 5.9, Sanders at 5.5, Glacier at 5.5 and Granite at 4.5.
Other eastern Montana counties include Dawson and Richland tied for 11th at 2.1 percent, Sheridan in 20th at 2.5, Valley in 28th at 2.8 and Phillips in 49th at 4.2 percent.
Total employment in Montana, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, added 1,847 jobs in March. In just the first three months of 2023, Montana has created more than 4,600 jobs — the fifth fastest rate of job creation for the first three months of the year since recordkeeping began in 1976.
March marks the 17th consecutive month of unemployment below 3.0 percent in Montana. In only three other months since 1976 has Montana’s unemployment been below 3.0 percent. Montana’s total employment has grown by more than 17 percent from its pandemic-era lows.
The unemployment rate for the U.S changed little at 3.5 percent.
Montana’s labor force has also continued its growth, hitting a record of more than 559,000 Montanans. The state’s labor force had added some 33,000 workers from its pandemic-era low.
