Montana's Labor Force, Total Employment Grow in June

• — July 16 2021

MONTANA – Montana’s labor force grew by more than 2,000 workers in June, while total employment in the state grew by some 1,800 workers.

“More and more Montanans are coming back into our labor force — very encouraging news for employers across the state trying to fill open positions in the midst of the summer tourist season," said Department of Labor & Industry Commissioner Laurie Esau. “Getting more Montanans off the sidelines and into the workforce will be key to Montana’s continued economic recovery.”

With labor force participation growing at a slightly faster pace than total employment, Montana’s unemployment rate had a small uptick in June, rising 0.1% to 3.7%. The unemployment rate for the U.S. was 5.9% in June.

Montana’s total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, grew by 1,842 in May, bolstered by strong labor force growth of 2,067 workers. Payroll jobs were mostly unchanged in June, rising by 100.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.9% over the month in June. The 12-month increase was 5.4%. Prices of used cars and trucks continued to rise, with a 10.5% increase in June. Food and energy prices also rose over the month. The index for all items less food and energy, referred to as core inflation, increased 0.9% in June.

County Unemployment Rates

The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s 56 counties is provided below for your convenience.  County unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 4.0%. 

Reservation Unemployment Rates

The unemployment rate and ranking for each of Montana’s seven reservations is provided below.  Reservation unemployment rates and employment levels are not seasonally adjusted and should be compared to the unadjusted statewide unemployment rate of 4.0%. Reservation areas overlap with county areas, meaning that unemployed individuals living on a reservation will be included in both the reservation and county totals.

Contact Sam Loveridge: Public Information Officer, Department of Labor and Industry