County Ranks 49th For Unemployment Rate
Roosevelt County remains one of the counties with the highest percentage of unemployment in the state. According to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, Roosevelt is tied with Granite County for 49th place with an unemployment rate of 5.1 percent. Roosevelt County has 34 less individuals employed than at this time in 2025.
Montana’s unemployment rate dipped sightly in June to 3.3 percent.
“Montana continues to rank in the top states with the lowest unemployment rates as business create more good-paying jobs and Montanans have more pathways to pursue a meaningful career,” Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte said in a press release. “As our labor force grows, we will continue to support the best environment for business to keep our strong momentum.”
The national unemployment rate decreased to 4.2 percent during the month.
Carter and Prairie counties have the lowest unemployment rate at 1.9 percent. Powder River ranks third at 2.3 percent.
Tied for fourth at 2.4 percent are Sheridan, Park and Treasure counties. Park County has 1,009 more individuals employed now than at this time in 2025.
Eastern Montana counties Daniels and Garfield are tied for 10th at 2.7 percent.
Other eastern Montana counties include Custer in 16th at 2.8 percent, Valley in 25th at 3 percent and Dawson in 26th at 3.1 percent. Richland and McCone counties are tied for 26th at 3.1 percent.
The counties with the highest unemployment are Big Horn at 7 percent, Lincoln at 5.8, Madison at 5.8, Musselshell at 5.3, Wheatland at 5.2 and Glacier at 5.2 percent.
As far as reservations, Fort Peck ranks second with an unemployment rate of 6.8 percent. The Fort Peck Reservation has 46 less people employed than a year ago. Flathead tops the rankings at 4.4 percent. Fort Belknap has the highest unemployment rate at 15.1 percent.
Montana’s labor force, total employment (which includes payroll, agricultural and self-employed workers) and unemployment all declined over the month. The decline in unemployment was larger than the decline in employment. As a result, the unemployment rate ticked down slightly. The number of unemployed fell by 450 in June and total employment declined by 300 jobs. Payroll jobs declined by 1,100 jobs in June, with the largest declines in transportation, warehousing, and utilities.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased by 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in June. This decline in the allitems index was the largest one-month decrease since April 2020 when it fell 0.8 percent. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 3.5 percent before seasonal adjustment. The energy index was the largest contributor to the monthly all items decrease, more than offsetting increases in other indexes including those for shelter and food. Core inflation, or the index for all items less food and energy, rose 2.6 percent over the last twelve months.
“Montana’s unemployment rate has eased down slightly, signaling that more Montanans are securing jobs. This reflects ongoing hiring activity across key industries and the strengthening of Montana’s workforce,” said Sarah Swanson, commissioner of Labor and Industry in a press release. “Through the Governor’s 406 JOBS initiative, the Department of Labor and Industry and its partners are helping more Montanans explore career pathways and connect to the training and support they need to move into good-paying, future-focused jobs.”
