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Top 10 Cities in Montana with the Lowest Unemployment Rates in 2026
Are you considering a career change without wanting to leave your beloved home in Montana? Understanding the job market in your local community is crucial for your next steps. To assist you in this journey, we have compiled a list of cities in Montana that boast the lowest unemployment rates, indicating a robust job market.
Whether you’re relocating to Montana for its natural beauty or seeking employment opportunities, knowing which cities have strong job markets can greatly influence your decision. Our analysis is based on the latest data, highlighting the best places to find work in the Treasure State.
We sourced demographic data from the Census Bureau to identify Montana cities with the lowest unemployment rates. After setting a minimum population threshold, we analyzed the figures and ranked the cities accordingly:
- Glasgow(Jobs)
- Deer Lodge(Jobs)
- Lewistown(Jobs)
- Havre(Jobs)
- Sidney(Jobs)
- Glendive(Jobs)
- Laurel(Jobs)
- Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
- Livingston(Jobs)
- Billings(Jobs)
For employers, a low unemployment rate is often a sign of a healthy community, making Glasgow the top choice in Montana for job seekers.
Continue reading to discover how we identified these cities as the most promising places for employment in Montana.
For more information about job opportunities in Montana, explore:
How We Identified the Cities in Montana with the Lowest Unemployment Rates
To pinpoint Montana’s most employed cities, we focused on locations with populations exceeding 3,000 where reliable data was available. This analysis included 24 cities across the state.
By examining the latest unemployment rates from the American Community Survey, we ranked the cities to find the best job markets. A lower unemployment rate typically indicates better job availability, making it easier for individuals to find work, whether they are relocating within Montana or moving from another state.
We ranked these cities from one to 24, with one being the city with the lowest unemployment. In cases of ties, the larger city received the higher ranking.
If your city isn’t in the top ten, scroll to the bottom of this post for a detailed chart. Otherwise, let’s delve into how these top cities achieved their impressive standings.
1. Glasgow
Population: 3,327
Unemployment Rate: 1.6%
Glasgow tops our list with an exceptionally low unemployment rate of 1.6%, making it the prime location for job seekers in Montana.
Being number one comes with the advantage of a thriving job market.
2. Deer Lodge
Population: 3,085
Unemployment Rate: 1.7%
Deer Lodge secures the second spot with a low unemployment rate of 1.7%, presenting a stable job market for residents.
3. Lewistown
Population: 5,879
Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
Lewistown earns the bronze medal with an unemployment rate of 2.3%, making it an attractive place for job seekers.
4. Havre
Population: 9,668
Unemployment Rate: 2.3%
Havre follows closely behind, also with a 2.3% unemployment rate. This city is a solid option for launching your career.
5. Sidney
Population: 5,888
Unemployment Rate: 2.8%
Sidney claims the fifth position with a favorable unemployment rate of 2.8%, providing ample job opportunities for its residents.
6. Glendive
Population: 5,167
Unemployment Rate: 2.9%
Glendive ranks sixth with a 2.9% unemployment rate, showcasing its competitive job market.
7. Laurel
Population: 6,887
Unemployment Rate: 3.2%
Laurel holds the seventh spot, boasting an unemployment rate of 3.2% and a strong community for job seekers.
8. Anaconda-Deer Lodge County
Population: 9,243
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Anaconda-Deer Lodge County ranks eighth, with a competitive unemployment rate of 3.9% that draws residents from nearby cities.
9. Livingston
Population: 7,086
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Livingston finishes in ninth place, offering job seekers a solid unemployment rate of 3.9% and a vibrant community.
10. Billings
Population: 106,979
Unemployment Rate: 3.9%
Billings rounds out our top ten list with a 3.9% unemployment rate, showing that even the largest city in Montana offers a strong job market.
In Summary – Unemployment Rates Across Montana
These are the top ten cities in Montana with the lowest unemployment rates. Each of these locations offers a supportive environment for job seekers, making them ideal for those looking to establish their careers.
If you’re considering a move to Montana and are eager to find employment, focus on these top-ranked cities.
For further insights on job markets across the U.S., visit www.zippia.com, especially if you’re a recent graduate contemplating relocation. Check out which states retain graduates and which ones they leave.
Here’s a glance at the cities in Montana with the highest unemployment rates:
- Hardin
- Polson
- Dillon
Comprehensive List of Cities with the Lowest Unemployment in Montana
| City | Rank | Unemployment |
|---|---|---|
| Glasgow | 1 | 1.6% |
| Deer Lodge | 2 | 1.7% |
| Lewistown | 3 | 2.3% |
| Havre | 4 | 2.3% |
| Sidney | 5 | 2.8% |
| Glendive | 6 | 2.9% |
| Laurel | 7 | 3.2% |
| Anaconda-Deer Lodge County | 8 | 3.9% |
| Livingston | 9 | 3.9% |
| Billings | 10 | 3.9% |
| Shelby | 11 | 4.2% |
| Helena | 12 | 4.5% |
| Columbia Falls | 13 | 4.5% |
| Miles City | 14 | 4.7% |
| Hamilton | 15 | 4.8% |
| Great Falls | 16 | 5.2% |
| Belgrade | 17 | 5.6% |
| Whitefish | 18 | 6.0% |
| Bozeman | 19 | 7.4% |
| Kalispell | 20 | 7.4% |
| Missoula | 21 | 8.5% |
| Dillon | 22 | 9.8% |
| Polson | 23 | 11.5% |
| Hardin | 24 | 12.6% |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
