Helena, Montana – Montana’s unemployment rate remained unchanged at 3.2 percent in August 2026, keeping the state below the national rate as employment increased slightly during the month.
Gov. Greg Gianforte announced the latest figures, noting that Montana continues to rank among the 15 states with the lowest unemployment rates in the country. The national unemployment rate also remained unchanged in August at 4.1 percent.
“Montana continues to rank in the top states with the lowest unemployment rates as businesses create more good-paying jobs and the Montana Department of Labor and Industry helps match workers with meaningful careers,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As we continue prioritizing workforce development programs, we’re working across the public and private sector to promote career, college, military, and entrepreneurship pathways for Montanans.”
Employment grows while number of unemployed falls
Montana recorded a small increase in total employment during August. Total employment, a measure that includes payroll employees as well as agricultural and self employed workers, increased by 482 jobs.
At the same time, the state’s labor force grew by 177 people. The number of unemployed Montanans declined by 305 during the month. Despite that decrease, the movement was not large enough to change the overall unemployment rate, leaving it at 3.2 percent.
Payroll employment also posted a slight increase. Growth was led by several areas of the economy, particularly health care, social assistance and construction.
“Montana’s unemployment rate continues to hold at a low level, reflecting stability in our labor market,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “This report shows that Montana employers are continuing to create opportunities, and our workforce programs remain focused on helping workers gain the skills needed in key industries.”
The unemployment figures are seasonally adjusted. This process removes the effects of events that tend to follow regular patterns from one month or year to another, making it easier to identify other changes in the labor market.
Officials noted that the unemployment rate has a margin of error of plus or minus 0.5 percentage points at the 90 percent confidence level.
Consumer prices rise in August
The latest economic information also showed an increase in consumer prices.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased by 0.4 percent in August on a seasonally adjusted basis. Over the previous 12 months, the overall index increased by 3.4 percent before seasonal adjustment.
Gasoline prices played a significant role in the monthly increase. The gasoline index climbed 3.9 percent in August and accounted for about one third of the increase in the overall monthly index.
Core inflation, which excludes the often more changeable food and energy categories, increased by 2.4 percent over the previous 12 months.
The latest figures provide a broader look at Montana’s labor market as the state continues its workforce development efforts and employers add jobs in several industries.
Additional information will arrive next month. The next Labor Market Information report, which will include Montana’s September 2026 data, is scheduled to be released on Tuesday, October 20.
