Montana's Unemployment Rate Down to 4.3 Percent

HELENA – Montana’s unemployment rate continued its decline in February, down 0.1 percentage points to 4.3 percent.  The U.S. unemployment rate decreased by 0.2 percentage points to 5.5 percent in February.

“With strong job creation in the first two months of this year, Montana’s economy continues the growth we saw throughout last year,” Governor Steve Bullock said.  “I’m committed to building on our economic strength to ensure all Montana communities feel the benefits of our growing economy.”

“Job creation in the state continues to be good news for Montana,” said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy.  “Two years ago, our focus was to find jobs for workers. With our strong economy, our task is now to find workers for jobs.”

Montana’s total employment levels increased by 2,921 jobs in February.  Over-the-year employment growth of roughly 7,700 jobs indicates strong job growth of 1.6 percent.  Total employment estimates include payroll employment, plus agricultural and self-employed workers.  Payroll employment estimates indicate a gain of 2,000 jobs over the month.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) increased 0.2 percent in February with stabilization in energy prices after several months of sharp decline for gasoline prices.  The CPI-U is at the same level as February 2014, indicating no inflation over the past year.  The index for all items less food and energy, also called core inflation, rose 0.2 percent in February.