HELENA, Mont. — Montana’s unemployment rate fell to 3.4% in May, lower than the national rate of 4.3%.
A June 23, 2026, release from Gov. Greg Gianforte’s office said 700 fewer people were unemployed in May.
Payroll jobs dropped by 2,600 during the month. The biggest losses were in construction and accommodation and food service.
Gianforte connected the new numbers to the state’s job efforts.
Labor Commissioner Sarah Swanson said the report also showed some people are still trying to find steady work.
“While today's numbers are encouraging, we know many Montanans are still working to find their footing in the job market,” Swanson said. “
The same report said prices also went up in May. The Consumer Price Index rose 0.5% for the month and 4.2% over the past 12 months, while energy prices rose 3.9%.
The next Labor Market Information report, with June 2026 data, is scheduled for release on Tuesday, July 21.
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Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
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Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.