State Unemployment Rate Goes Below 3 Percent
Montana reached its 20th consecutive month of unemployment below 3 percent in June, according to data compiled by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Montana Department of Labor & Industry. Since Gov. Greg Gianforte was elected, Montanans have created more than 41,000 new jobs statewide.
“We’re creating an environment where businesses can thrive, create more good-paying jobs, and increase opportunities for all Montanans, and we’re seeing great results,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Wages in Montana grew at the fifth fastest rate in the nation last year, and we have more Montanans working now than ever before.”
Total employment in Montana, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, grew by 784 jobs in June to a new record high. The state’s labor force grew by 1,085 workers, after topping a record 575,000 workers in May.
Montana added 1,000 payroll jobs in June, largely driven by gains in the construction and administrative support industries. With labor force growth slightly outpacing total employment growth, the state’s unemployment rate was 2.4% in June.
Fallon County had the lowest unemployment at 1.5 percent. Powder River was second at 1.7 percent. Tied for third at 1.8 percent were Daniels, McCone and Sheridan. Tied for sixth at 1.9 percent were Carter and Sweet Grass.
Roosevelt County ranks 51st at 3.8 percent.
Counties with the highest unemployment are Glacier at 5.6, Big Horn at 4.5, Lincoln at 4.1 and Phillips at 4 percent.
Valley ranks 14th at 2.3 percent.
