Seasonal hiring continues; county jobless rate dips 0.4 percent

Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 6.3 percent in June, with about 1,000 jobs added during the month, as the national rate also held steady at 8.2 percent.

In Lincoln County, the seasonal hiring continued as the jobless rate fell 0.4 (four-tenths) of 1 percent to 12.8 percent, still the highest in the state. Nearby Sanders County is next at 12.6 percent joblessness.

In Lincoln County, with a work force of 7,926, 6,914 are employed, leaving 1,012 still looking for work.

A month ago, Montana’s economy added 1,300 jobs. In June, there were only 1,000 jobs created last month.

“Montana continues to post strong job growth, despite concerns about slow growth nationally,” said 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 during 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 Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in June.  Energy prices continued to decrease in June, led by gasoline price declines, but the fall was offset by increases in the food index and the index for all items less food and energy.  

The index for all items less food and energy (also called core inflation) increased by 0.2 percent for the fourth straight month. 

Montana’s average annual wage was $35,791 in 2011, a 3.5 percent increase in wages during 2010.  

When adjusted for inflation using the CPI-U, real wages increased by 0.3 percent.