Montana’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7% for the month of November, gaining roughly 2,000 jobs over the month. The U.S. unemployment rate was unchanged at 3.7%

“As the holidays approach, Montana workers and families can enjoy a prosperous holiday season reaping the benefits of our strong economy,” said Governor Bullock. “Businesses and communities continue to experience a thriving job market, positive wage, and optimism for more economic growth in the new year.”

Payroll employment posted even larger job gains of 2,000 jobs, with job gains of 1,900 in the private sector. Private industry job gains were posted across most industries, with professional services, construction, and leisure and hospitality posting the strongest growth. Total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural, and self-employed workers, indicated a strong increase of 1,203 jobs in November. The unemployment rate remained steady due to a similar increase in the labor force of 1,332 people.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in November, with a decline in gasoline prices offsetting increases in shelter and vehicles. The index for all items less food and energy, also called core inflation, increased 0.2% in November, with a change of 2.2% over-the- year. 

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** Unemployment figures are seasonally-adjusted.  Seasonally-adjusted numbers remove the effects of events that follow a more or less regular month-to-month pattern each year. These adjustments make non-seasonal patterns easier to identify. The margin of error for the unemployment rate is plus or minus 0.5 percentage points at the 90 percent confidence level. All questions relating to the calculation of unemployment rates should be directed to the Montana Department of Labor & Industry’s Research and Analysis Bureau at 406-444-4100.

The next Labor Situation Report for the month of December 2018 will be released on Friday, January 18, 2019.

****** INFORMATION AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET ******

Visit our website at www.lmi.mt.gov for additional information and analysis, including industry employment levels, background on the unemployment rate, and wage rates by occupation.  This month’s Economy at a Glance provides statistics about Montana’s Registered Apprenticeship Program.

****** 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 3.6%. 

****** 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 3.6%. Reservation areas overlap with county areas, meaning that unemployed individuals living on a reservation will be included in both the reservation and county totals.