Montana unemployment rate steady at 3.9 percent

Montana’s unemployment rate once again held steady, remaining at 3.9 percent in September, Gov. Steve Bullock’s office announced Friday.

The unemployment rate has held at 3.9 percent since May. The U.S. unemployment rate declined by 0.2 percentage points to 4.2 percent.

“Montana’s economy is strong, businesses are growing, and more Montanans are working than ever before in our state’s history,” Bullock stated in a media release.

Total employment increased by 870 jobs over the month on a seasonally adjusted basis. Payroll jobs remained level over the month, with gains offset by small losses in retail and leisure activities.

The small losses in retail and leisure were likely caused by reduced tourist spending due to this summer’s wildfires, Bullock’s office said.