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HELENA- Montana's unemployment rate held steady at 6.3% in June with state officials reporting that about 1,000 jobs were added over the month. Meanwhile, the national rate also held steady at 8.2% for the month.

"Montana continues to post strong job growth, despite concerns about slow growth nationally," explained Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. "Montana has added almost 10,000 jobs over the past year."

Total employment estimates, which include payroll, self-employed, and agricultural workers, indicate job growth of 991 in June, a gain of 9,761 over the last year.

Payroll employment estimates indicate growth in private sector jobs, but job losses in the government sector kept the total job count level over the month.

The highest jobless rates were once again found in northwest Montana. Lincoln county had the worst numbers at 12.8% followed by Sanders County at 12.6%. The lowest unemployment rate was in Fallon County at 2.2%.