Montana, Hi-Line jobless rates hold steady

The unemployment rate in Montana held steady in March. The rate also was stable on the Hi-Line.

For the previous six months, the jobless rate has declined in the state, but in March, the rate was 6.2 percent, the same as in February.

"Although job growth has slowed slightly this month, likely due to increased oil and gasoline prices, I remain positive about continued job growth throughout the rest of the year," said state Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly.

The state's jobless rate is 2 percentage points below the national average, Kelly noted.

The state saw a gain of 200 jobs over the last month, he said. But 6,300 jobs have been added over the last year, he said.

Along the Hi-Line:

• The jobless rate in Blaine County was 6.4 percent, down from 6.5 percent in February. A total of 171 people were out of work.
• In Chouteau County, 4.8 percent of the workforce was jobless, compared to 4.7 percent a month earlier.
• In Hill County, the unemployment was was 5.9 percent, up from 5.8 percent a month earlier.
• Liberty County's jobless rate increased from 5.8 percent in February to 6.4 percent in March.