Unemployment Rate Drops To 3.6 Percent

Montana’s unemployment rate declined again, falling to 3.6 percent in May, down from 4.0 percent in January and down from 9.1 percent one year ago. The unemployment rate for the U.S. was 5.8 percent for the month of May.

Montana’s total employment, which includes payroll, agricultural and self-employed workers, grew by 2,221 in May. The labor force also had strong growth over the month, adding 1,908 workers. Payroll jobs declined by 700 in May, with declines in construction and leisure and Hospitality accounting for most of the loss.

In early May, Gianforte announced the State of Montana will launch a return- to-work bonus program, utilizing federal funds authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act. Return-to-work bonuses of $1,200 will be paid to unemployed individuals who rejoin the labor force and accept and maintain steady employment for at least one month. The governor also announced the State of Montana will end its participation in federal pandemic- related unemployment benefit programs and transition to pre-pandemic unemployment insurance eligibility and benefits by the end of June.

Roosevelt County ranks 49th in the state with an employment rate of 4.3 percent. Other eastern Montana counties include Richland at 4.6 percent for 52nd place, Sheridan at 3.4 percent for 43rd and Valley at 2.6 percent for 16th.