Lincoln County joblessness drops slightly

Lincoln County’s unemployment rate was 16.3 percent in February, reflecting a decrease of nearly a full percentage point compared to January’s figures.

Last month, Lincoln County registered the highest unemployment rate in the state at 17.2 percent. 

Johnette Watkins, manager of the Kootenai Job Service Center in Libby, said it’s difficult to determine what caused the number to fluctuate so dramatically.

“We do have a fairly good number of jobs (listed),” Watkins said. “I think there is a seasonal upswing, but it’s so hard to put your finger on the exact reason.”

In February, 6,147 workers in Lincoln County had jobs. Another 1,201 people were seeking work but did not have a job. The number of people unsuccessfully seeking work dropped by 78 compared to January’s figures. 

The lower unemployment figures may be good news for the Lincoln County economy, but they still reflect one of the highest unemployment rates in the state. Big Horn County tallied a 16.7 percent unemployment rate in February, making Lincoln County No. 2 on the list. Sanders County was at 15.2 percent.

Fallon had the lowest unemployment in the state at 2 percent, followed by Richland (2.5 percent), Wibaux (2.6 percent) and McCone (2.7 percent).

Montana’s unemployment rate was 5.6 in February, reflecting a decrease of .1 percent. Payroll employment increased by 1,100 jobs during the past month, while total employment - including payroll workers, the self-employed and agricultural workers - suggested an employment loss of 327 jobs. 

The state’s unemployment rate has been on a downward trend since the end of 2010, although economic gains have slowed in recent months because of lower federal spending and because consumer spending has been constrained by the expiration of the payroll tax cut and higher gasoline prices, according to the Montana Department of Labor. The state’s unemployment figures have hovered at the 5.6 percent and 5.7 percent levels for the past four months. 

“Montana’s unemployment rate is moving in the right direction,” Montana Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy stated in a press release. “I am confident that Montana will keep adding jobs as we head into the summer months.”

There is help on the horizon for local job seekers, Watkins said. The Kootenai Job Service Center will hold a career day from noon until 4 p.m. April 11 at the Asa Wood complex. Employers may call 293-6282 to reserve a table. 

All statistics for this story were compiled by the Montana Department of Labor.