Jefferson County Workforce
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Jefferson County labor force, 5,817
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Southwest Montana labor force (six county region), 38,553
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Unemployment rate for Jefferson County, 2.5 percent in 2008
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Unemployment rate for Southwest Montana, 2.8 percent in 2008
Jefferson County Economics
Historically, Jefferson County’s economy was based upon mining, livestock production and timber. Mining still plays a significant role in the economy and agriculture is still a prominent feature on the landscape. A high percentage of Jefferson County’s residents are self-employed and the rate is increasing faster than most other counties in Montana. Many residents commute into the surrounding communities for work.