HELENA, Mont. — Montana’s unemployment rate held steady at 2.8% in May, ranking among the five lowest in the nation.
The state has now seen 47 straight months of unemployment at or below 3.4%, and eight consecutive months under 3%.
While total employment dipped slightly, payroll jobs increased by 2,000, driven by growth in construction.
The number of unemployed Montanans remained below 16,000, near record lows.
Nationally, unemployment was 4.2% in May.
Inflation rose slightly, with shelter cost as the primary driver.
