In general, Montanans are protecting themselves against COVID-19 at rates slightly lower than those of other Americans, while having fewer personal connections to people with COVID-19.
- More than eight of 10 Montanans report taking five or more measures to protect against the virus—about the same as Americans as a whole.
- Montanans are less likely to wear a mask than other Americans. Six of 10 Montanans report wearing a mask compared with eight of 10 across the country.
- A little over 60 percent of Montanans face five or more movement restrictions—slightly less than Americans as a whole.
- Montanans have a personal connection to a COVID-19 case—that is, a diagnosis of COVID-19 in their household or the death of a close friend or family member—at one-third the rate of Americans as a whole. Less than 2 percent report a personal connection.
Job losses have disproportionately hit younger and middle-aged Montanans, while declines in hours have hit Montanans living with children the hardest
- More Montana respondents have remained employed than national respondents. The table below reports employment rates (the share of the population working for pay), which are less affected by layoffs and job search choice than unemployment rates.1
- Before the pandemic hit, nearly 63 percent of Montana’s respondents reported being employed. In April and May, the share of respondents employed fell to 55 percent.
- Employment declines have been sharpest for respondents aged 18-29 and 45-59, both with over a 20 percent fall from the pre-COVID-19 baseline.
- Average hours worked per week for Montana respondents decreased 9 percent compared with the pre-COVID-19 baseline, similar to the decline for national respondents.
- Montanans who live with children saw the largest fall in hours worked, with a 15 percent decline.
- Visit covid-impact.org/results for additional results, survey questionnaire, and microdata for statistical analysis.
- Follow @minneapolisfed, Opportunity & Inclusive Growth Institute director @abigailwozniak, and @COVIDimpact.
| Employment Rate (Pre-COVID) | Employment Rate (Apr-May 2020) | Percent Change In Employment | Percent Change In Hours, if Employed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 62% | 48% | -23% | -10% |
| Montana | 63% | 55% | -13% | -9% |
| MT-Living with Children | 76% | 74% | -2% | -15% |
| MT-Not Living with Children | 57% | 48% | -15% | -5% |
| MT-Age 18-29 | 75% | 60% | -21% | -11% |
| MT-Age 30-44 | 82% | 80% | -3% | -12% |
| MT-Age 45-59 | 79% | 63% | -20% | -6% |
| MT-Age 60+ | 31% | 30% | -3% | 0% |
Well-being has declined for Montanans, although somewhat less than for all Americans
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Montanans’ well-being—including economic security, physical health, and mental health—has worsened. However, relative to U.S. averages, Montanans are experiencing less food insecurity and are more likely to be able to cover emergency expenses. Montanans in the labor force are also more likely to believe they will be employed in three months. The incidence of poor mental health days among Montanans has been similar to the U.S. average.
Survey data information for Ninth Federal Reserve District leaders
The onset of COVID-19 generated an immediate need for timely data reflecting how our communities are faring in a newly changed environment. To meet this need, the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis partnered with the Data Foundation—experts in improving national statistical resources—to provide the COVID Impact Survey. This brief offers a snapshot of key facts from the CIS to help policymakers understand what it says about how Montana residents are faring in the COVID-19 environment.
To find out more:
Endnote
1 The COVID Impact Survey asks some questions that also appear on the new Census Household Pulse Survey, including employment questions. Differences between the two may be due to substantive differences in survey methods. The CIS invites Montanans into the survey by mail and allows phone interviews if needed. The Census Pulse invites respondents using email and text.
