County joblessness dips 1.3 percent; state rate rises

Montana’s economy added 1,300 jobs in May, but that was little solace to the 1,037 in Lincoln County still looking for employment. The county leads the state with the highest percentage of workforce jobless with 13.2 percent.

Still, the unemployment figures represent a 1.3 percent drop in joblessness in the county, down from 14.5 percent in April.

Nearby Sanders County is second with 12.8 percent jobless rate.

While there was job creation in Montana in May, because the number of people looking for work also increased (mostly new graduates), the unemployment rate increased 0.2 percent to 6.3 percent.  The national rate also increased slightly by 0.1 percent, ending at 8.2 percent for May.

In Lincoln County, of a workforce consisting of 7,879, 6,842 are employed, leaving the 1,037 still looking. However, the 13.2 jobless rate reflects a decline in the rate, which during the winter reached nearly 15 percent, at 14.8 percent.

“From our perspective, we see a slight upswing. We have 79 job listings, and some of these are good jobs with benefits,” said Job Service center Manager Johnette Watkins.

“We have some part-time, but we also have some full-time permanent jobs. It’s always a good sign when that happens.”

Watkins said the upswing partly is seasonal work at restaurants and hotels, and she would encourage job-seekers to go to the local Job Service site at kootenaijobs.mt.gov.

Watkins said she still is seeing people leave the area for the more lucrative money in the Dakotas, but said many find the life difficult.

“I think many would could back if they could find work here to support their families. The money is good, but living isn’t easy.”

In Helena, the surge in job creation had state officials looking for better days ahead.  

“The 1,300 job gain in May is the largest amount of jobs added in a month since before the recession,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

“However, more job openings and better economic conditions have encouraged many people to enter the labor market.  The increase in the labor force resulted in an increase in the unemployment rate,” Kelly said.  “We look forward to these new entrants finding work as we continue to add jobs in future months.”

Total employment estimates, which include payroll, self-employed, and agricultural workers, indicate job growth of 1,290 in May, a gain of 8,600 during the last year.  

Payroll employment estimates indicated even stronger job growth of 3,800 jobs, but the payroll employment estimates are fairly volatile on a month-to-month basis.  Construction and retail trade both posted strong job gains over the month, according to state labor figures.

The Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) decreased 0.3 points in May, largely attributed to a 6.8 percent decline in gasoline prices.  

The food index was unchanged.  

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