Montana Workers See A Need To Work Longer For Survival

Montana is a state full of hard working people. You can tell that from the jobs that help make our state run. Farmers, ranchers, wildland firefighters, hunting and fishing guides are some of the jobs found here. Not only are Montanans hard workers they are working even longer these days.

The economy and inflation has become increasingly difficult over the past few years, especially for people on fixed incomes. More and more people are working past retirement age. According to the numbers Montana has seen one of the biggest increases in this in the past few years.

According to LendingTree.com, which examined the number of working older adults over the past few years, Montana ranks fourth among states experiencing the most growth in this area. Only New Jersey, Delaware, and Indiana saw more significant increases.

From 2022 to 2024 Montana has seen the percentage of older working adults rise from 18.9% to 24.2% a growth of 28%, in two years time. Montana also saw a decline in the amount of people who have retired. Again Montana comes in 4th in this category as well. The percentage of people who retired fell from 22.9% to 19.0%. Workers in Montana are working longer.

The study focused on workers aged 65 and older, revealing a trend that has become increasingly common across the country. For Montana, known for its hard working people, this rise in older adults continuing to work reflects the economic pressures many face and their desire to remain active and contribute to their communities.

As the cost of living continues to rise, the reality for many older Montanans is that retirement may be postponed or redefined. For some, continuing to work provides a sense of purpose and connection. But for others, it is a matter of necessity, ensuring they can maintain financial stability in uncertain times. The increase in older adults staying in the workforce is a testament to the enduring spirit of Montanans, who face challenges head-on while continuing to shape the state’s future.