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Montana’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.5 Percent

Flathead County’s unemployment rate moved back up to 5.1 percent

By Beacon Staff

While Montana’s unemployment rate in October dropped down to 4.5 percent, Flathead County’s moved up 0.3 percentage point, reaffirming that the busy summer season has come to a close.

In October, Flathead County’s non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.1 percent, up from 4.8 percent in September. There were 41,777 people working in October and 2,278 people out of work.

Gov. Steve Bullock said the news that Montana’s unemployment rate dropped again was an example of how the state’s economy continues to improve.

“As we head into the holiday season, Montana’s unemployment rate continues to decline and our economy continues to grow,” Bullock said in a statement released Friday. “The historic job growth we’ve seen since January should give Montana businesses and retailers confidence as we head to the end of the year.”

Lake County’s unemployment rate dropped from 5.3 percent in September to 5.2 percent in October.

Lincoln and Glacier counties continue to struggle with some of the highest unemployment rates in the state. In October, Lincoln County’s rate was 9.4 percent, compared to 8.7 percent in September, with 678 people still out of work. In Glacier County, the unemployment rate jumped two percentage points to 10.4 percent, the highest in the state.

The Department of Labor estimates that Montana’s economy added 580 jobs in October, with 12,145 jobs added over the past year.

“Montana’s economy has posted strong gains this year for Montana’s working families,” said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy. “The Department of Labor and Industry looks forward to continuing our efforts to improve the skills of the Montana workforce, ensuring that our economy will continue to out-perform in future years.”