HELENA — The unemployment rate in Montana remained at 3.4% in November, as both total employment and the labor force grew.
The U.S. unemployment rate declined 0.1 percentage points, to 3.5%.
The lowest jobless rate in the Treasure State was 1.9% in Carter County while the highest unemployment rate was 7.3% in Glacier County.
Western Montana unemployment rates for November:
- Missoula County: 3.1%
- Ravalli County: 3.6%
- Powell County: 3.7%
- Lake County: 4.0%
- Flathead Indian Reservation: 4.2%
- Flathead County: 4.6%
- Sanders Coun ty: 4.8%
- Mineral County: 5.2%
- Granite County: 5.8%
- Lincoln County: 6.9%
The Montana Department of Labor & Industry reports that total employment, which includes agricultural, payroll and self-employed workers, grew by 1,200 jobs in November with similar growth in the labor force of 1,466 workers.
Payroll employment also had a large increase of 1,800 jobs over the month, with much of the job growth coming in the arts and recreation industry and the construction industry.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) rose 0.3% in November, with increases in shelter and energy indexes.
