Montana's unemployment rate dropped by 0.5% to 7.1% in November, marking the third straight month of unemployment rate decreases. The U.S. unemployment rate also experienced a decrease, dropping 0.4% to 8.6% in November.
Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly said the state's economy continues to recover, and the pace of job growth is improving.
The drop in the unemployment rate is primarily due to an increase of about 1,730 jobs over the last month. The number of unemployed fell 2,230 over the last month. Total employment estimates have posted job growth throughout 2011, with the exception of the third quarter.
The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged for November after price declines in October. The energy index declined for the second straight month, offsetting increases for other prices. The index for all items less food and energy (also called core inflation) increased again by 0.2%.
Last month for the first time in years Big Horn had the highest unemployment in the state. They have dropped back down to third highest with 13.9% unemployment, down from 14.6% last month. The statewide high went back to Lincoln County who was the third highest last month. They had 14.4% unemployment this month, up from 13.7%. Sanders County kept the second highest unemployment for the state with 14.0%, down from 14.4% last month.
Thirteen counties now separate the statewide high from the high in the east. Rosebud County for seventh month in a row held the eastern high. Rosebud sits at 6.8% unemployment, down from 7.7% last month'. Second highest in the east is Roosevelt County. Roosevelt is also down to 6.4% from 7.2% last month.
Statewide and in the east Fallon County boasts the lowest unemployment in Montana for a third month. There are four counties in eastern Montana – and in the state – with under 3% unemployment. Fallon County dipped down to an amazing 2.0%, down from 2.2% last month. McCone is at 2.4% down from 3% even and Richland County is down for a third month to 2.6% from 2.8% unemployment. Carter is at 2.8% down from 3.1% last month.
These are the unemployment rates for remainder of eastern Montana Counties.
Custer County is down for a third month to 3.4% from 3.7%.
Daniels County is up to 4.2% from 3.8%.
Dawson County is down for a second month to 3.1% from 3.6% .
Garfield County is up to 4.2% from 3.6%.
Powder River County is down for a second month to 4.1% from 4.6%.
Prairie County is down for a sixth month to 3.3% from 3.8% .
Sheridan County is down for a second month 3.0% from 3.4% .
Treasure is down to 4.0% from 4.3%.
Valley County is down for a third month to 4.0% from 4.5%.
and Wibaux County is up to 4.0% from 3.8% unemployment.
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