Montana jobless rate is stable, Hi-Line’s rate rises

Montana jobless rate is stable, Hi-Line's rate rises

The jobless rate increased on the Hi-Line in December, even as it remained stable statewide.

In each of the four counties in north-central Montana, the rate went up in December.

The seasonally adjusted rate statewide was 7.2 percent in December, the same as it was in November.

Nationwide, the unemployment rate was 9.4 percent, down .4 percentage points.

"Montana's economy continues to add private sector jobs, while government jobs are declining," said state Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. "The private sector has added about 5,700 since th...