Montana jobless rate is down

Montana’s jobless rate dropped to 4.0 percent in April, the lowest since September 2007.

The Treasure State’s jobless rate in March was 4.2 percent, according to statistics released by the Montana Department of Labor.

The United States jobless rate has remained stable at 5,4 percent during the same period.

“With strong job gains in April, Montana’s economy continues to do very well in 2015,” Gov. Steve Bullock said. “More Montanans are entering the labor force looking for work, and more workers have been able to find jobs, which is great news for Montana workers and businesses.”

State Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy predicted wages would rise as employers compete for workers.

Along the Hi-Line, jobless rates remained stable. they are:

• Liberty County had a 2.5 percent rate,a decline of 0.3 percent from a year ago.

• In Chouteau County, the jobless rate was 2.6 percent. down 0.8 percent from last April.

• Hill County’s rate is 3.9 percent, down 2 percent from a year ago.

• Blaine County’s rate is 5 percent, down 1 percent from last year.