Montana Reports Record Low Unemployment Rate of 2.8% in January 2025

HELENA, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte announced Montana’s unemployment rate has dropped to 2.8 percent as of January 2025, marking the lowest rate since September 2023 and continuing a 43-month streak of maintaining an unemployment rate at or below 3.4 percent. This achievement places Montana’s unemployment 1.2 percent below the national average, currently at 4 percent.

Governor Gianforte credited legislative support and state policies aimed at economic growth and job creation for this achievement. “Montanans are working, wages are growing, and our economy remains strong and resilient,” remarked Gianforte. “With the support of our partners in the Legislature, we’re advancing and implementing our pro-jobs, pro-family agenda to protect our way of life, slash red tape, and get government out of the way so businesses can create more good-paying jobs.”

While the overall employment numbers slightly declined, payroll jobs saw an increase with 200 new jobs in January, primarily in construction, transportation, and trade sectors. Despite a decrease in leisure and hospitality jobs, the state’s labor force reached a record high of 579,000 in 2024, growing by 0.8 percent over the year.

The next labor market report, which will include data from February 2025, is scheduled for release on March 28th. For more detailed information on Montana’s employment statistics and future updates, visit the Labor Market Information website.

Readers can visit the Montana Labor Market Information site for additional information and analysis, including industry employment levels, background on the unemployment rate, and wage rates by occupation.