Montana Unemployment Dropped To 3.3 Percent Well Below The National Rate

Montana’s unemployment rate dipped slightly in June, falling to 3.3%, according to the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. The state’s unemployment rate remained below the national rate, which declined to 4.2% during the same period.

Gov. Greg Gianforte said Montana’s continued low unemployment rate reflects job creation and workforce opportunities across the state.

“Montana continues to rank in the top states with the lowest unemployment rates as business create more good-paying jobs and Montanans have more pathways to pursue a meaningful career,” Gianforte said. “As our labor force grows, we will continue to support the best environment for business to keep our strong momentum.”

Montana’s labor force, total employment and unemployment numbers all declined in June. The number of unemployed residents fell by 450, while total employment declined by 300 jobs. Payroll employment decreased by 1,100 jobs, with the largest declines occurring in transportation, warehousing and utilities.

County unemployment rates varied across Montana, with some of the lowest rates reported in smaller eastern counties. Carter and Prairie counties recorded the lowest unemployment rates in the state at 1.9%, followed by Powder River County at 2.3%. Park, Sheridan and Treasure counties each reported a 2.4% unemployment rate.

The highest unemployment rates were reported in Big Horn County at 7%, followed by Madison and Lincoln counties at 5.8%. Musselshell County reported 5.3%, while Glacier and Wheatland counties each reported 5.2%.

In the Mon-Dak region, several northeastern Montana counties reported unemployment rates below or near the statewide average. Fallon and Wibaux counties each reported 2.8% unemployment. Daniels and Garfield counties were at 2.7%, while Dawson, McCone and Richland counties each reported 3.1%. Roosevelt County reported a 5.1% unemployment rate.

Among Montana’s seven reservations, the Fort Peck Reservation ranked second lowest with a 6.8% unemployment rate. The Flathead Reservation reported the lowest rate at 4.4%, while Fort Belknap had the highest at 15.1%. Other reservations with higher unemployment rates included Crow at 11.2%, Northern Cheyenne at 10.8% and Rocky Boy’s at 10.1%.

Sarah Swanson, commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry, said the state’s workforce programs continue connecting residents with training and career opportunities.

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“Montana’s unemployment rate has eased down slightly, signaling that more Montanans are securing jobs,” Swanson said. “This reflects ongoing hiring activity across key industries and the strengthening of Montana’s workforce.”