Montana\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
The national unemployment rate was unchanged at 4.1% in August, according to federal labor data.<\/p>\n
Total employment in Montana, including payroll, agricultural and self-employed workers, increased by 482 jobs during the month. The state\u2019s labor force grew by 177 workers, while the number of unemployed people declined by 305.<\/p>\n
Payroll employment also edged higher, with gains in health care, social assistance and construction.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Montana Labor and Industry Commissioner Sarah Swanson said the latest report shows stability in the state\u2019s labor market while employers continue to add opportunities.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Core inflation, which excludes food and energy, rose 2.4% over the previous year.<\/p>\n
County and reservation unemployment rates are reported on a non-seasonally adjusted basis and should be compared with Montana\u2019s unadjusted statewide rate of 3.0%, rather than the seasonally adjusted 3.2% headline rate.<\/p>\n