Jobless down in Montana, up on the Hi-Line

Montana's unemployment rate fell during November, even as the number of jobless rose slightly on the Hi-Line.

A total of 7.2 percent of the work force in Montana was jobless, compared to 7.3 percent in October, according to a monthly report from the state Labor Department.

"The unemployment rate decreased slightly for the second straight month," said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

Kelly said the number of private sector jobs rose by about 700 during the month, while the number of government jobs declined by about the same figure.

Locally, the jobless rate in Hill County went up from 4.8 percent in October to 5.1 percent in November. It remained conserably lower than the statewide average of the national rate of 9.8 percent.

A total of 435 people were out of work in Hill County, compared to 410 in October.

In other Hi-Line counties:

• Blaine County's jobless rate rose from 5.3 percent in October to 5.6 percent in November. A total of 163 were out of work in the county.

• In Chouteau County, 4.4 percent of the work force was unemployed, compared to 4.2 percent a month earlier. In all, 113 people were jobless.

• In Liberty County, the jobless rate was 5.0 percent, up from 4.6 percent. A total of 36 people were out of work.

Montana's unemployment rate fell during November, even as the number of jobless rose slightly on the Hi-Line.

A total of 7.2 percent of the work force in Montana was jobless, compared to 7.3 percent in October, according to a monthly report from the state Labor Department.

"The unemployment rate decreased slightly for the second straight month," said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

Kelly said the number of private sector jobs rose by about 700 during the month, while the number of government jobs declined by about the same figure.

Locally, the jobless rate in Hill County went up from 4.8 percent in October to 5.1 percent in November. It remained conserably lower than the statewide average of the national rate of 9.8 percent.

A total of 435 people were out of work in Hill County, compared to 410 in October.

In other Hi-Line counties:

• Blaine County's jobless rate rose from 5.3 percent in October to 5.6 percent in November. A total of 163 were out of work in the county.
• In Chouteau County, 4.4 percent of the work force was unemployed, compared to 4.2 percent a month earlier. In all, 113 people were jobless.
• In Liberty County, the jobless rate was 5.0 percent, up from 4.6 percent. A total of 36 people were out of work.