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HELENA- The number of folks looking for work in Montana edged up by 0.2% in June, bringing the Treasure State's unemployment rate to 7.5%.

State labor officials attribute the rise to the struggles of the national economy as well as slowing federal investments in recovery projects.

Despite the uptick in the unemployment rate for the month, state numbers show the state has added about 3,000 jobs in the last quarter. National figures also indicate slower job growth in June, with the U.S. unemployment rate increasing by 0.1% to 9.2% for the month.

"The U.S. economic recovery has slowed in recent months, which has hampered Montana's economic recovery," says Labor Commissioner Keith Kelly. "Despite these headwinds, Montana's economy has expanded in the last quarter, adding about 3,000 jobs."

The highest jobless rates are still primarily centered in Western Montana with Lincoln County topping the charts at 15.0%. The second highest unemployment rate is 14.9%, and that's found in Sanders County.

WEB EXTRAS

Monthly labor force information for Montana counties.

Monthly Montana industry employment information.

Annual labor force data for Indian Reservations in Montana.