HELENA – Montana’s Labor Department says the state unemployment rate dropped to 6.4 percent in October, down from 6.7 percent a month earlier.
Meanwhile, Flathead County’s unemployment rate rose to 9.3 percent from 8.8 percent a month earlier, marking the the second consecutive month the county’s unemployment rate has risen after decreasing for five straight months. Flathead County’s unemployment rate remains the fourth highest in the state, with Sanders County suffering the highest rate in Montana at 11.5 percent.
The national average was 10.2 percent.
In total, 29 states showed small increases, while the rate in 13 places declined. The rates in eight states remained steady.
Michigan continued to lead the states with the highest unemployment rate, at 15.1 percent. Nevada followed with 13 percent.
North Dakota again claimed the lowest unemployment rate, at 4.2 percent.