Jobless rate down in Hi-Line, up in Montana

The jobless rate on the Hi-Line went down during July, even though it rose statewide.

Montana's unemployment rate increased slightly to 6.4 percent over June's rate, with employment slipping by about 700 jobs.

The national rate also increased by 0.1 percent, but remains significantly higher than Montana's rate at 8.3 percent.

"Montana has seen a gain of almost 4,200 jobs since January," said Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. "Employment is much higher than at the start of the year, and despite the small job loss this month the trends indicate we will continue to add more jobs this year."

Monthly...