Workforce
Workforce & Employment
Employment Growth and Unemployment Rates
The economy of Flathead County continues to keep pace with the fast-paced population growth. Fantastic growth in construction and most other industries in 2006 and 2007 saw the valley’s unemployment rate in the 2% to 5% range, down from 6.4% in 2000 while employing an additional 7500 people from that same time period. Reflecting the national economy, 2008 saw a rise in the unemployment rate.
| Employment for Flathead County | 2008 | 2000 |
| Employment | 44,682 | 34,680 |
| Unemployment | 2,579 | 2,388 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 6.4% |
| Unempoyment Rate | February 2009 |
| Flathead County | 12.2% |
Source: Montana Department of Labor and Industry, www.ourfactsyourfuture.com
| Employment Percentage | 2007 |
| % Private for Profit | 70.6% |
| % Private Not-for-Profit | 7.4% |
| % Local Government | 5.4% |
| % State Government | 2.7% |
| % Federal Government | 2.1% |
| % Self Employed | 11.4% |
| % White Collar | 54.7% |
| % Blue Collar | 27.9% |
| % Service Occupation | 16% |
Source: Development Alliance, July 2008, www.developmentalliance.com;
Economic Development Intelligence System, 2nd Quarter 2008, https://edis.commerce.state.nc.us/docs/countyProfile/MT/30029.pdfEmployment Q1 2008 2000
| Occupation Percentages | 2008 |
| Management, Business and Financial | 11.4% |
| Professional Specialties | 17.7% |
| Sales and Office | 25.6% |
| Farming, Forestry and Fishing | 1.4% |
Source: Development Alliance, July 2008, www.developmentalliance.com
Occupation Percentages 2008
Top Growing Industries in Montana
| Growth Industries since January 2005 | % of Growth | # of Jobs Created |
| Construction | 58.5% | 12,700 |
| Leisure and Hospitality | 31.9% | 16,100 |
| Professional & Business Services | 31.8% | 10,200 |
Source: Economic Development Intelligence System, 2nd Quarter 2008, https://edis.commerce.state.nc.us/docs/countyProfile/MT/30029.pdf
Development Alliance, July 2008, www.developmentalliance.com
Montana Department of Labor and Industry
The Montana Department of Labor and Industry updates area labor market information monthly. Check their website for the latest unemployment rates and industry information.
Montana On the Move
The Governor’s Office of Economic Development has created several documents to highlight the positive business climate of the State.
Montana On The Move Presentaton
Montana By the Numbers Document
Also in our Library:
Flathead County Statistics at a Glance 2009
Wage and Benefit Report, Flathead County 2005
Underemployment Study-The Available Labor Supply in Flathead County 2008
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