Powder River Examiner -

Powder River County's unemployment rate was one of the lowest in the state in August, according to data from the Montana Department of Labor & Industry.

Powder River County had a 1.6% unemployment rate in August, trailing only Fallon County, with 1.4%.

Data from DLI shows that of a labor force of 971 in PR County, 955 were employed as of August.

Montana's unemployment rate across the state was 2.5% in August, and has remained under 3% for 22 consecutive months.

Nationwide, unemployment is at 3.8%, and in February of 2023 unemployment rates were the lowest since 1969, making for a bountiful number of job opportunities open for job seekers and a limited number of hirable workers for job providers.

Unemployment rate measures the number of individuals actively seeking work, and does not include groups such as retirees, the disabled, or those caring for family members. Montana DLI uses the example of a stay at home parent as someone who would not be counted, as that individual may be willing to work but would need a wage high enough to pay for childcare in order to enter the workforce.

Unemployment data in Montana is calculated using a statistical model that uses a combination of data sources including surveys of individuals and businesses, as well as tracking of unemployment insurance claims.