Montana’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in January while Flathead County’s jobless rate increased.
The non-seasonally adjusted jobless rate in Flathead County increased from 6.2 percent in December to 7.3 percent in January, the sixth highest rate in the state. The local workforce had 41,006 people, an increase of 841 from a year ago, according to state labor officials.
Montana’s jobless rate was 4.1 percent in January. The U.S. unemployment rate fell 0.1 percent over the month to 4.9 percent.
“Today’s economic news is another sign that Montana’s economy is among the strongest in the nation,” said Gov. Steve Bullock. “As our economy grows at a fast rate, we continue to work to ensure Montana’s wage growth remains high and that we are finding new ways to prepare our workforce for our state’s growing industries.”
Lincoln County maintained the highest unemployment rate in Montana at 12.6 percent. Sanders County was second highest at 10.9 percent. Glacier County was third at 10.7 percent. Lake County’s rate was 5.9 percent.
“Our economy continues to add jobs, with payroll employment growing in January,” said Labor & Industry Commissioner Pam Bucy. “We continue to work hard to ensure that our training programs prepare workers for the workplace and that businesses have the labor force pipeline they need to prosper.”
Payroll employment showed positive gains in January, adding around 1,300 jobs. Payroll job gains were most notable in retail trade, construction and manufacturing, according to labor officials. Total employment estimates, which include agricultural and self-employed workers along with payroll workers, indicated a statistically insignificant gain of 68 jobs.
Employment growth over the past year remains near the long-term average of about 1 percent, with 5,166 jobs added for a growth rate of 1.1 percent, according to state labor officials.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in January. Energy prices fell 2.8 percent over the month, while the index for all items less food and energy rose to offset the decline in energy prices.
January 2016
The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s 56 counties is provided below. County unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 5.1 percent.
The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s seven reservations is provided below. Reservation unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 5.1 percent. Reservation areas overlap with county areas, meaning that unemployed individuals living on a reservation will be included in both the reservation and county totals.
