Montana Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Montana rose 0.2 percentage points in November 2023 to 3.0%. The state unemployment rate was 0.7 percentage points lower than the national rate for the month. The unemployment rate in Montana peaked in April 2020 at 11.9% and is now 8.9 percentage points lower. From a post peak low of 2.3% in March 2023, the unemployment rate has now grown by 0.7 percentage points. You can also see Montana unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate	November 2023	Month/Month	Year/Year
National	3.7%	-0.1	+0.1
Montana	3.0%	+0.2	+0.3

Note: All comparisons are made with November data as December state level unemployment data has not yet been released.

Unemployment Rate: Montana, National

Montana monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to November 2023

Note: Recessions shown in gray

Montana Unemployed

The number of people unemployed in Montana peaked in April 2020 at 64,365. There are now 47,087 fewer people unemployed in the state. From a recent trough of 13,035 in April 2023, the number of unemployed has now grown by 4,243. Montana job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons	November 2023	Month/Month	Year/Year
Montana	17,278	+847	+2,182

Number of Unemployed Persons