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 figures show a loss of 735 in July, but a gain of almost 4,200 jobs since January, Kelly said.

In Hi-Line counties:

• Blaine County's jobless rate went down from 6.4 percent in June to 5.8 percent in July, A total of 151 people were listed as being out of work.
• In Chouteau County, 4.1 percent were out of work, compared to 4.7 percent in June. A total of 106 people were jobless.
• In Hill County, the jobless rate was 5.8 percent. A month earlier, the rate was 6.0 percent. In all, 503 people were unemployed.
• In Liberty County, the jobless rate declined from 6.6 percent to 6.1 percent. A total of 48 people were out of work.