Montana unemployment rate dips to 3.5% as payroll jobs rise

HELENA, Mont. — Gov. Greg Gianforte announced Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.5% in April, while the national rate held at 4.3%.

The governor said payroll jobs increased by 800 during the month. According to the state, construction and health care saw the biggest gains.

“As businesses grow and expand in Montana, we want to ensure our workforce is able to meet their employment needs,” Gov. Gianforte said. “Through 406 JOBS, we’re reducing barriers to employment to continue our progress on increasing labor participation.” 

State labor officials reported Montana’s labor force, total employment and unemployment all moved down in April. They said unemployment dropped by 690 and total employment fell by 579, which helped push the rate slightly lower.

“These trends signal ongoing opportunities for Montana workers and job seekers across key industries, like construction and healthcare,” said Sarah Swanson, commissioner of the Montana Department of Labor and Industry. “Montana's workforce development initiatives continue to support growth in these essential sectors."

The state also reported inflation increased in April. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers rose 0.6% on a seasonally adjusted basis and was up 3.8% from 12 months earlier, while core inflation rose 2.8%.

County-level data showed Prairie County had the lowest unemployment rate at 1.2%, while Lincoln County had the highest at 6.3%.