County joblessness drops to 11.9 percent; state at 6.3 percent

Montana’s unemployment rate decreased slightly to 6.3 percent in August while the jobless rate in Lincoln County dropped to 11.9 percent.

The national rate decreased by 0.2 percent to 8.1 percent.

“Like last year, Montana’s employment figures held steady during the summer months,” said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.  

“Overall, we expect Montana to continue its employment growth after this summer.  About 8,000 jobs have been added during the past year, posting fairly rapid job growth of 1.7 percent.”

Lincoln County, which often leads the state in joblessness, fell to 11.9 percent and dropped to second highest behind nearby Sanders County at 12 percent.

Both Montana and the U.S. rate decreases were caused by reductions in the labor force, which is the number of people working or looking for work.  

Montana total employment figures were essentially flat for August, losing 308 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis for a -0.1 percent change, while the labor force declined by 407 workers.  

Montana employment figures are at roughly the same level they were at in May, yet are still posting strong employment growth during the past year.  

Payroll employment figures painted a more optimistic picture for the month, adding 1,900 workers in August.  

Private employment growth comprises nearly all of the payroll employment gains during the past year.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased sharply by 0.6 percent in August.