HELENA, Mont. (AP) — Montana's unemployment rate dipped slightly to 3.6% in May with the state seeing gains in payroll employment among federal government and the accommodation and food service sectors.
The state's jobless rate mirrors the national unemployment rate over the month.
State labor statistics indicate total employment gained 535 jobs, but only 109 workers were added to the labor force over the month.
Gov. Steve Bullock said in a statement Friday that Montana's economy continues to grow despite tight labor markets. He says businesses are innovating, and workers are updating their skills to increase productivity.
Fallon County recorded the state's lowest jobless rate at 1.3 percent. Big Horn County had the highest rate at 6.6%.
Among the state's reservations, the Northern Cheyenne and Crow shared the highest rate at 9.9%.
