Jobs picture on Hi-Line gets better

Montana's jobless rate declined again during July, and the job picture on the Hi-Line improved considerably.

The state's job rate was 5.3 percent in July, a full 2 points lower than the national average.

“Montana’s unemployment rate is continuing its downward trend, as employers continue to feel more confident in our economy,” said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy. “Despite job growth being slower than last year, our economy is gaining ground and getting stronger every day.”

Payroll employment added roughly 900 jobs in July, Bucy said.

The leisure and hospitality sector has posted job gains during the last few months; construction employment remains fairly stable and government employment continues to decline. Construction employment has not yet fully recovered since the recession, although other indicators suggest a strengthening of the national housing market.

Total employment estimates, which include payroll employment plus the self-employed, indicate a small employment decline of 700 jobs.

On the Hi-Line, after a rough June, jobs seemed to be coming back to the area.

A county-by-county breakdown:

• Blaine County had a 5.5 percent jobless rate in July, down from 5.9 percent a month earlier. A total of 140 people were out of work.

• Hill County's rate was 5.8 percent, higher than it traditionally has been, but down from, 6.3 percent in June. A total of 494 people were jobless.

• Chouteau County had a 3.6 percent jobless rate, down from 4.1 percent a month ago. In all, 92 people were out of work.

• Liberty County's rate was 3.7 percent, down from 4.9 percent last month. Twenty-nine people were out of work.