Unemployment rates continue to drop

For the sixth consecutive month Montana’s unemployment rate has dropped by 0.1 percent.

Since January, the rate of unemployment in Montana has consistently fallen to a current average of 6.5 percent. This compares to a January national average of 8.3 percent, in contrast the nationwide unemployment has fallen by 0.2 percent.

Keith Kelly, Labor Commissioner, attributed Montana’s drop to several factors which include oil production, agriculture and an increase in building permits. He says overall, Montana has seen good activity in its natural resource production. Kelly also says consumer confidence has risen in many of Montana’s cities including Helena.

Kelly said, "In Helena of course being a large employment of government town. Helena has always had a more stable economy with regards to employment and unemployment. So I don't have specific numbers for you here for Helena but traditionally historically we've always been one of the better economies for towards full employment."

Kelly says if this pattern continues, Montana could potentially reach 6 percent unemployment by the end of the year.   

Story by Drew Steele, Beartooth NBC.
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