Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 3.2% in August, remaining below the national rate and placing the state among the 15 lowest unemployment rates in the country.
The national unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1% in August, according to federal labor data.
Total employment in Montana, including payroll, agricultural and self-employed workers, increased by 482 jobs during the month. The state’s labor force grew by 177 workers, while the number of unemployed people declined by 305.
Payroll employment also edged higher, with gains in health care, social assistance and construction.
Gov. Greg Gianforte said the figures reflect continued demand for workers and pointed to workforce-development efforts aimed at connecting Montanans with careers in growing industries.
Montana Labor and Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson said the latest report shows stability in the state’s labor market while employers continue to add opportunities.
Inflation remained a separate pressure on households. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.4% nationally in August and was up 3.4% over the previous 12 months. Gasoline prices increased 3.9% during the month and accounted for more than one-third of the overall monthly increase.
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose 2.4% over the previous year.
County and reservation unemployment rates are reported on a non-seasonally adjusted basis and should be compared with Montana’s unadjusted statewide rate of 3.0%, rather than the seasonally adjusted 3.2% headline rate.
By: Montana Newsroom News Wire
