What is the unemployment rate in Montana right now?
Refreshed monthly
Unemployment in Montana was at 3.5% in April 2026. That's a 0.1 percentage point decrease from the month before. The unemployment rate is the percentage of people in the labor force who are actively looking for work but not currently employed. It's a common way to measure the health of the job market and economy.
In April 2026,
3.5%
of the labor force was unemployed in Montana
April 2026 had a
-0.1
percentage point change from the previous month
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calculates the unemployment rate through a monthly survey to identify the civilian labor force, meaning people who are employed or actively seeking work. It counts part-time workers as employed. It excludes people who aren’t actively looking for work, such as retirees or discouraged workers.
In April 2026, the unemployment rate in Montana was lower than the US overall.
Seasonally adjusted unemployment rate, January 2007 to April 2026
Unemployment rates differ within states due to various factors. Counties with many job opportunities and different industries often have lower unemployment rates. In rural areas or in places where industries are shrinking, the rate can be higher. Seasonal work in industries like tourism or farming can lead to unemployment rising or falling. Population changes and local policies also play a role in how many people are employed.
What counties in Montana have the highest and lowest unemployment?
Understanding unemployment rates in counties in Montana is important for assessing the economic health and development of the region. The county with the highest unemployment rate in Montana is [County Name], with an unemployment rate of [Rate]%. Several factors contribute to the high unemployment in this county, including economic challenges, limited industry presence, and other local issues. On the other hand, the county with the lowest unemployment rate is [County Name], with an unemployment rate of [Rate]%. This county benefits from strong economic factors, a robust industry presence, and other favorable conditions. Comparing the highest and lowest unemployment rates highlights differences and trends, which can impact the local economy and community. Addressing unemployment issues is important for improving the overall economic stability and quality of life in Montana.In Montana, Lincoln County, MT had the highest unemployment rate at 8.7%. Treasure County, MT had the lowest at 1.9%. Yellowstone County, MT, the county with the largest labor force in the state, had an unemployment rate of 3.6%. The latest county-level data is from March 2026.
Unemployment rates in Montana counties ranged from 1.9% to 8.7% in March 2026.
Unemployment rate, by county, not seasonally adjusted
Unemployment rate, by county in Montana (March 2026)
| 1. | Lincoln County, MT | 8.7% |
| 2. | Granite County, MT | 8.2% |
| 3. | Sanders County, MT | 7.1% |
| 4. | Big Horn County, MT | 6.8% |
| 5. | Madison County, MT | 6.7% |
| 6. | Mineral County, MT | 6.3% |
| 7. | Petroleum County, MT | 6.2% |
| 8. | Glacier County, MT | 6.1% |
| 9. | Powell County, MT | 5.6% |
| 10. | Musselshell County, MT | 5.5% |
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Methodology
USAFacts standardizes data, in areas such as time and demographics, to make it easier to understand and compare.
The analysis was generated with the help of AI and reviewed by USAFacts for accuracy.
Page sources
USAFacts endeavors to share the most up-to-date information available. We sourced the data on this page directly from government agencies; however, the intervals at which agencies publish updated data vary.
