Montana’s Unemployment Rate Falls to 3.2%

• August 21 2026

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte today announced Montana’s unemployment rate decreased slightly to 3.2 percent in July. Montana’s unemployment rate was lower than the national unemployment rate, which also declined over the month to 4.1 percent.

“As Montana’s unemployment rate continues to decline, businesses across our state are expanding, creating high-paying jobs, and opening up new opportunities for our workforce,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through the 406 JOBS initiative, we are building on our strong momentum and capitalizing on our growing economy to ensure Montanans who are ready to work can get connected to a meaningful career.”

Total employment (which includes payroll, agricultural, and self‑employed workers) increased by 625 jobs in July, while the labor force remained largely unchanged. The number of unemployed fell by nearly 600 in July, which, combined with increases in employment, resulted in a drop in the unemployment rate. Payroll jobs increased by 700 jobs in July, with growth in professional and business services, retail trade, and wholesale trade employment offsetting declines in accommodation and food service. 

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.1 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis in July. Over the last 12 months, the all-items index increased 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment. The index for shelter rose 0.1 percent in July, accounting for roughly two-thirds of the monthly all-items increase. Core inflation, or the index for all items less food and energy, rose 2.5 percent over the last twelve months.

“Montana’s unemployment rate is a positive sign for Montanans seeking their next opportunity,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “As employers continue to hire, we are committed to helping Montanans connect with the skills, resources, and careers that allow them to thrive.”

** Unemployment figures are seasonally-adjusted. Seasonally-adjusted numbers remove the effects of events that follow a 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 Data and Operations Bureau at 406-444-4100.

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. Visit www.lmi.mt.gov/home/job-tracking for Montana unemployment claims and current economic data.

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 2.8%.

****** 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 2.8%. Reservation areas overlap with county areas, meaning that unemployed individuals living on a reservation will be included in both the reservation and county totals.

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