Montana Governor Steve Bullock today announced Montana’s unemployment rate remained at 3.9% in June, half a percentage point below the national average. The U.S. unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage points to 4.4%.

“Montana’s economy continues to grow and diversify and more Main Street Montana businesses are expanding and hiring more workers,” said Governor Bullock. “As summer kicks into high gear, we are continuing to find new ways to ensure Montana businesses have a steady pipeline of skilled workers to fill good-paying jobs.”

Total employment levels, which include self-employed and agricultural workers, increased by 220 jobs over the month. The number of people in the labor force also increased over the past month, keeping the unemployment rate unchanged. Payroll employment estimates indicate a loss of 600 jobs over the month, but an increase of 6,700 jobs since June 2016.

The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) was unchanged in June. A decline in the energy index offset an increase in the index for all items less food and energy. Over the last 12 months, the CPI-U has increased by 1.6%. The index for all items less food and energy, also called core inflation, increased 0.1% in June.