Montana’s unemployment rate remained unchanged in June at 3.9 percent, according to state data.
Employment levels in Montana continued to rise over the month, but the unemployment rate held steady due to growth in the labor force, according to state labor officials.
Flathead County’s non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate ranked 10th highest in the state and hit 5.2 percent last month, a slight increase from May when it was 4.7 percent.
A year ago in June, Flathead’s jobless rate was 5.7 percent and Montana’s seasonally adjusted rate was 4.5 percent.
Glacier County had the highest rate in the state at 9.3 percent, a 1.3 percentage point increase from May. Lincoln County’s unemployment rate, ranking second highest, was 8.9 percent last month, an increase from 7.8 percent in May. Lake County was at 4.9 percent in June.
The Blackfeet Reservation had a 12.9 percent jobless rate, highest among Montana’s seven reservations. The Flathead Reservation had the best rate at 5.2 percent.
The U.S. unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 5.3 percent last month.
“Montana’s economy continues to grow, adding roughly 8,800 jobs in the first half of 2015,” Gov. Steve Bullock said. “Strong employment and labor force growth helps ensure Montanans have access to good-paying jobs, and businesses can find the workers they need to drive economic growth.”
According to state data, Montana’s total employment levels increased by a few hundred jobs in June, for a total of 12,193 jobs added over the last 12 months and total employment of 504,627.
Total employment estimates include payroll employment, plus agricultural and self-employed workers. Payroll employment fell over the month, but has still posted a gain of 2,100 jobs since the beginning of the year.
“We expect strong wage growth in 2015, as businesses compete to recruit workers in this low unemployment rate environment” said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy. “The Montana Department of Labor and Industry is committed to identifying and training more Montanans to ensure that we have enough workers to meet the needs of Montana employers.”
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.3 percent in June on a seasonally adjusted basis, with advances in the indexes for gasoline, shelter, and food all contributing. The index for all items less food and energy, also called core inflation, rose 0.2 percent in June.
COUNTY UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s 56 counties is provided below, courtesy of the state Department of Labor and Industry. County unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 4.0 percent.
RESERVATION UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s seven reservations is provided below for your convenience. Reservation unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 4.0 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.
