Gov. Greg Gianforte announced that Montana’s unemployment rate declined to 3.1 percent in September, remaining below the national rate of 4.2 percent. Montana ranked among the 10 states with the lowest unemployment rates.

Total employment grew by nearly 400 jobs during the month, while the number of unemployed Montanans fell by 379. The unemployment-rate estimate has a margin of error of 0.5 percentage points at a 90 percent confidence level.

“As our economy continues to show strong growth and our unemployment rate remains low, we celebrate our progress to ensure hardworking Montanans can secure a good-paying job,” Gianforte said.

Payroll employment declines

Despite the increase in total employment, payroll employment fell by 1,300 jobs in September. The largest concentration of payroll losses occurred in Accommodation and Food Service and in Finance and Insurance.

Sarah Swanson said the state’s labor-market priority remains matching employers with qualified workers. “Montana’s unemployment rate edged lower this month, but helping employers find the right skills remains a priority,” Swanson said.

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry provides workforce training and career-pathway services.

Prices and local figures

The seasonally adjusted Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased 0.6 percent in September. Gasoline prices rose 9.1 percent and accounted for more than half of the monthly increase in the overall index.

Before seasonal adjustment, the all-items index was up 3.7 percent over 12 months. Core inflation rose 2.6 percent over that period.

County and reservation employment figures are not seasonally adjusted. Montana’s unadjusted statewide unemployment rate for comparisons among its 56 counties and seven reservation areas was 2.5 percent; reservation areas overlap with county boundaries.

The department’s next Labor Market Information report, containing October 2026 data, is scheduled for release Friday, Nov. 20.