Montana jobless rate steady at 4.1 percent

Montana’s unemployment rate stood steady at 4.1 percent in October, nearly a full percentage point behind the national average.

“Montana’s economy continued to show strength as we entered the fall,” Gov. Steve Bullock said. “With over 10,000 jobs added over the last 12 months, Montanans are on the job and earning higher wages.”

“Montana’s unemployment rate is holding steady at just over 4 percent, which is considered an ideal level for unemployment,” said Labor and Industry Commissioner Pam Bucy.

Seven hundred jobs were gained in the state over the course of the month, she said.

The rate looked good along the Hi-Line as well:

• Liberty County, 2.3 percent, down .1 percent from October 2014

• Chouteau County, .2.7 percent, down .2 percent

• Hill County, 3.8 percent, down 1.2 percent

• Blaine County, 4.0 percent, down .6 percent

• Fort Belknap Indian Reservation, 9.1 percent, down 1.1 percent

• Rocky Boy’s Indian Reservation, 11.1 percent, down 2.5 percent