Helena, Montana – Montana’s unemployment rate moved slightly lower in June, continuing the state’s position among those with the lowest unemployment rates in the country, according to new figures released by Governor Greg Gianforte.
The governor announced that Montana’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate declined to 3.3 percent, down slightly from the previous month. The state’s unemployment rate remained well below the national unemployment rate of 4.2 percent, which also declined during the same period.
Governor Gianforte said Montana’s economy continues to create opportunities for workers while supporting businesses across the state.
“Montana continues to rank in the top states with the lowest unemployment rates as business create more good-paying jobs and Montanans have more pathways to pursue a meaningful career,” Gov. Gianforte said. “As our labor force grows, we will continue to support the best environment for business to keep our strong momentum.”
The June report showed that Montana’s labor force, total employment, and the number of unemployed residents all declined during the month. However, the drop in unemployment was greater than the decline in employment, leading to the slight improvement in the state’s unemployment rate.
According to the report, the number of unemployed Montanans decreased by 450 people during June, while total employment fell by 300 jobs. Payroll employment also declined, with employers reporting 1,100 fewer payroll jobs compared with the previous month.
The largest payroll job losses occurred in the transportation, warehousing, and utilities sector.
Labor commissioner highlights workforce initiatives
Montana Commissioner of Labor and Industry Sarah Swanson said the latest numbers suggest employers are continuing to hire while more residents find work.
“Montana’s unemployment rate has eased down slightly, signaling that more Montanans are securing jobs. This reflects ongoing hiring activity across key industries and the strengthening of Montana’s workforce,” Swanson said. “Through the Governor’s 406 JOBS initiative, the Department of Labor and Industry and its partners are helping more Montanans explore career pathways and connect to the training and support they need to move into good-paying, future-focused jobs.”
State officials noted that all unemployment figures released in the monthly report are seasonally adjusted, meaning regular seasonal changes are removed to provide a clearer picture of underlying labor market trends.
Inflation and county unemployment figures
The report also included updated inflation data. The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.4 percent on a seasonally adjusted basis during June. Over the past 12 months, the all-items index rose 3.5 percent before seasonal adjustment, while core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, increased 2.6 percent.
Energy prices played the largest role in the monthly movement, offsetting increases in housing and food costs.
County unemployment rates, which are not seasonally adjusted, continued to vary across Montana.
Among the state’s 56 counties, Carter County and Prairie County recorded the lowest unemployment rate at 1.9 percent. They were followed by Powder River County at 2.3 percent, while Park, Sheridan, and Treasure counties each posted rates of 2.4 percent.
Several larger counties also reported unemployment rates below the statewide average, including Gallatin County at 2.7 percent, Missoula County at 2.9 percent, Flathead County at 3.1 percent, Lewis and Clark County at 3.1 percent, Yellowstone County at 3.4 percent, and Cascade County at 3.4 percent.
At the opposite end of the rankings, Big Horn County reported the state’s highest unemployment rate at 7 percent, followed by Lincoln County and Madison County, both at 5.8 percent.
The report also included unemployment figures for Montana’s reservation communities. Flathead Reservation recorded the lowest reservation unemployment rate at 4.4 percent, while Fort Belknap Reservation had the highest rate at 15.1 percent.
State officials said the next Labor Market Information report, containing employment data for July 2026, is scheduled for release on Friday, Aug. 21, providing another update on Montana’s labor market as the state continues monitoring employment and economic conditions.
