State jobless rate up slightly, Hi-Line down

The jobless rate in Montana went up slightly during July, but Gov. Steve Bullock said Montana still leads the nation in the improved economy.

The unemployment rate increased from 3.9 percent to 4.0 percent.

The national average has been about 5.3 percent over the past year.

The unemployment picture across the Hi-Line has shown improvement over the last year, according to figures provided by the Montana Labor Department.

“With strong job growth and more people on the job than ever before, Montana’s economy continues to lead the nation,” Bullock said.

Total statewide employment sits at 503,841 in Montana. Overall, 11,311 jobs have been added in the past year.

Total employment estimates include payroll employment plus agricultural and self-employed workers. Payroll employment added 700 jobs in July, and has now increased by 2,600 jobs since the beginning of the year.

On the Hi-Line, the jobless rates compared to one year ago are:

• Liberty, 2.4 percent, down -0.3 percent.

• Blaine, 4.7 percent, down 1.1 percent.

• Hill, 4.7 percent, down 1.1 percent

• Chouteau, 2.8 percent, down 0.3 percent.