Flathead County’s unemployment rate continues its steady climb, increasing nearly a full point to 12.2 percent in February, according to recently released figures from the state’s Department of Labor and Industry.
The county’s unemployment level is the fourth highest in the state. In January, it was 11.3 percent. February marked the seventh straight month Flathead’s unemployment rate has increased.
Northwest Montana, as has been the trend over the past half year, was the hardest hit of any region in the state in February. Sanders, Lincoln and Mineral counties have the three highest unemployment rates in Montana at 17.4, 16.4 and 12.5, respectively. Glacier and Lake counties also have double-digit jobless rates.
Unemployment rose throughout the state in February, though Montana’s seasonally adjusted rate of 6 percent is still below the national average of 8.1.
Highest Unemployment Rates in Montana for February, By County:
Sanders – 17.4
Lincoln – 16.4
Mineral – 12.5
Flathead – 12.2
Granite – 11.4
Glacier – 10.3
Big Horn – 10.2
Lake – 10.0
Ravalli – 9.8
Powell – 9.8