Montana's unemployment rate decreases again in April

Montana's unemployment decreased slightly in April, reaching 6.1 percent, while it dropped more substantially on the Hi-Line.

After remaining unchanged in March, Montana's unemployment rate resumed its seven-month decline. The national unemployment rate decreased to 8.1 percent for the month.

"Over the past 10 months, the number of people employed in Montana has continued to increase without interruption, " Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly said. "Although payroll employment growth remains slow, I am confident about Montana's current, and future, economic situation. "

For April, seasonally-adjusted payroll employment estimates increased slightly, with a gain of approximately 300 jobs over the previous month. Total employment estimates, which include agriculture and self-employed workers, also showed positive employment gains, with 1,050 more people employed in April relative to March, the commissioner said.

Along the Hi-Line:

• Blaine County's jobless rate was 6 percent in April, down from 6.4 percent a month earlier.
• Chouteau County's rate was 4 percent, the same as in March.
• A total of 5.4 percent of the workforce in Hill County was jobless, down from 5.9 percent in March.
• In Liberty County, 5 percent of the workforce was unemployed, down from 5.8 percent a month earlier.