Econ Tracker

Montana unemployment dips slightly to 6.1%

Posted: Oct 30, 2012 2:12 PM by MTN News

Montana's unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 points in September and is now at 6.1%.

In a press release, Montana Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly said, "Montana's unemployment rate continued its downward trend this month with strong job gains of 1,100 jobs. Over the last year, the number of unemployed people has dropped by 11% with many more Montanans back at work."

Both Montana and the U.S. unemployment rates fell in September, mirroring similar declines at this time last year.

Montana's employment growth rate over the last year remains at 1.7%, which is above its long-term average of 1.2% since the series started in 1976.

At the U.S. level, employment has grown by 2% in the last year, compared to a 1.3% average annual growth rate using the same time period.

Montana's total employment increased by 1,130 jobs on a seasonally-adjusted basis.

Total employment includes both payroll workers, plus agricultural and self-employed workers.

Payroll employment estimates indicated an increase of 600 jobs, with a gain of 1,200 jobs in the private sector and a decline of 600 government jobs.