Department of Numbers

Montana Unemployment

According to the BLS current population survey (CPS), the unemployment rate for Montana fell 0.1 percentage points in March 2023 to 2.3%. The state unemployment rate was 1.2 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 9.6 percentage points lower. You can also see Montana unemployment compared to other states.

Unemployment Rate March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
National 3.5% -0.1 -0.1
Montana 2.3% -0.1 -0.2

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

Unemployment Rate: Montana, National

Montana monthly unemployment rate chart from 1990 to March 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 51,134 fewer people unemployed in the state. Montana job growth data is also available.

Unemployed Persons March 2023 Month/Month Year/Year
Montana 13,231 -544 -1,153

Number of Unemployed Persons

Monthly chart of total unemployed in Montana from 1990 to March 2023

Montana Unemployment History

Date National
Unemployment Rate
Montana
Unemployment Rate
Montana
Unemployed
April 2023 3.4%
March 2023 3.5% 2.3% 13,231
February 2023 3.6% 2.4% 13,775
January 2023 3.4% 2.5% 14,395
December 2022 3.5% 2.6% 15,073
November 2022 3.6% 2.7% 15,096
October 2022 3.7% 2.7% 15,191
September 2022 3.5% 2.7% 15,378
August 2022 3.7% 2.7% 15,549
July 2022 3.5% 2.7% 15,552
June 2022 3.6% 2.7% 15,358
May 2022 3.6% 2.6% 15,017