Econ Tracker

Montana unemployment rate dips again

Posted: Jan 18, 2013 9:59 AM by MTN News

HELENA - Montana's unemployment rate fell once again in December, dropping 0.1%, to sit at 5.7%, continuing a downward trend that started in the middle of 2011. Meanwhile, the national jobless rate held steady at 7.8%.

"Montana starts 2013 with a strong economy that has been adding jobs and gaining wages for over two years," said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy.

"Although the national economy faces risks and uncertainty arising from federal tax and spending levels, I am confident that Montana's economy will have the momentum and resilience to continue growth in the next year. Montana will continue to outperform the nation, with lower unemployment than the national average," Bucy added.

Montana's total employment, which includes payroll workers, the self-employed, and agricultural workers, increased by 201 jobs over the month on a seasonally adjusted basis. State numbers show that total employment has increased by over 7,000 jobs since December 2011.

Unemployment remained high in parts of the Treasure State, especially in the northwest corner. Lincoln County once had again had the highest jobless rate, registering at 14.8%, and was followed by Lincoln County at 14.1%..