Montana’s unemployment rate continued to drop in December, falling 0.1 percentage points to 5.7 percent, but it was little consolation to the jobless in Lincoln County who are still looking for work.

In Lincoln County, 1,090 of a labor force of 7,361 — or 14.8 percent — are still looking for work.

That figure is higher than the 13.3 percent figure reported in November.

Comparatively, the November and December figures for 2011 were 14.9 and 16.4 respectively.

The 2012 increase is cyclical, said Johnette Watkins, manager of the Job Service office on Mineral Avenue.

“It’s seasonal,” Watkins said. “Although, we were fortunate that some crews were working longer because of the weather.

“We will see a turnaround again in March or April.” 

Contrary to figures for Libby, Montana’s unemployment rate has been on a downward trend since mid-2011. The national rate held steady at 7.8 percent.

“Montana starts 2013 with a strong economy that has been adding jobs and gaining wages for over two years,” said Labor Commissioner Pam Bucy. “Although the national economy faces risks and uncertainty arising from federal tax and spending levels, I am confident that Montana’s economy will have the momentum and resilience to continue growth in the next year. Montana will continue to outperform the nation, with lower unemployment than the national average.”

Montana’s total employment, which includes payroll workers, the self-employed and agricultural workers, increased by 201 jobs during the month on a seasonally adjusted basis.  

The state’s total employment has increased by more than 7,000 jobs since December 2011. Payroll employment estimates indicated a similar employment gain of 500 jobs, with an 11,200 job gain during the last year.