Region
Labor demand in northern Idaho remained stable in August 2024, with a total of 1,923 unique job postings in the region – a slight decline from 2,043 in July. The unemployment rate rose slightly in August from 4.8% to 4.9%, increasing by 0.8% from August of last year. Overall, total employment has increased slightly over the last year.
Figure 1.| Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted data | Aug-24 (P) | July-24 (R) | Aug-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 127,977 | 127,300 | 126,401 |
| Total employment | 121,686 | 121,180 | 121,231 |
| Unemployment | 6,291 | 6,120 | 5,170 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 4.9% | 4.8% | 4.1% |
| Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked | ||
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern Idaho, July 2024 | Postings, Aug-24 | Postings, Aug-23 |
|---|---|---|
| Retail salespersons | 68 | 73 |
| Registered nurses | 64 | 92 |
| Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand | 40 | 60 |
| Merchandise displayers and window trimmers | 40 | 22 |
| Home health and personal care aides | 38 | 43 |
| Fast food and counter workers | 38 | 27 |
| Customer service representatives | 35 | 37 |
| Medical and health service managers | 33 | 14 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 29 | 41 |
| Cashiers | 28 | 23 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 industries by unique job postings in northern Idaho, August 2024 | Postings, Aug-24 | Postings, Aug-23 |
|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 273 | 309 |
| Retail trade | 260 | 288 |
| Administrative and support services | 202 | 221 |
| Manufacturing | 122 | 144 |
| Accommodation and food services | 118 | 137 |
| Finance and insurance | 78 | 85 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 70 | 94 |
| Wholesale trade | 69 | 73 |
| Educational services | 50 | 56 |
| Construction | 47 | 55 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern Idaho, August 2024 | Median duration, Aug-24 | Median duration, Aug-23 |
|---|---|---|
| Automotive and watercraft service attendants | 27 | N/A |
| Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks | 27 | N/A |
| Sewing machine operators | 27 | N/A |
| Electricians | 26 | N/A |
| Preschool teachers, except special education | 25 | N/A |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers | 25 | 19 |
| First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers and repairers | 24 | N/A |
| Cashiers | 23 | N/A |
| Sales representatives, technical and scientific products | 23 | N/A |
| Machinists | 23 | 10 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
Region News
Bonner County
- The Idaho Department of Lands auctioned off eight (now-former) endowment lots on Priest Lake, netting more than $11.4 million, which was more than $500,000 above the appraised value of the lots. Source: Bonner County Daily Bee
Kootenai County
- A new family division land-use ordinance has gone into effect in Kootenai County. The new ordinance contains exemptions which will make it easier for property owners to divide their land to either sell or gift to family members, by allowing living property owners to divide unplotted land without following the county’s formal subdivision procedures. Source: Journal of Business
- Coeur d’Alene based Intermax Networks raised $60 million in private and public funds to extend fiber-optic infrastructure to underserved regional communities. Projects have begun to run fiber to rural communities in northern Idaho including Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes Village and to bring connectivity along Idaho Route 54. Source: Journal of Business
- Construction is beginning on a new interchange between State Highway 53 and Pleasant View Road. The $30 million Idaho Transportation Department project will include a new diamond interchange and additional lanes, which will eliminate several railroad crossings and greatly increase capacity. Preliminary work this autumn is not expected to impact traffic flows, with impacts to drivers beginning in spring 2025. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The North Idaho Building Contractor’s Association held its annual Parade of Homes. The event allows regional builders to showcase their state-of-the-art projects with ticketed tours of homes. The event serves to both promote home builders and educate the public on the latest trends and innovations in home design. It also serves major fundraiser for the Building Contractor’s Association. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
Openings
- Treehouse Restaurant (Coeur d’Alene)
- Armory Outpost (Hayden)
- Divine Nails & Spa (Coeur d’Alene)
- Honeysuckle Suites (Hayden)
- La Pinata (Post Falls)
- MAC Physical Therapy (Post Falls)
- Orchid Nails & Spa (Coeur d’Alene)
- Wholesome Plate (Coeur d’Alene)
- Paradigm Owners Rep Services (Coeur d’Alene)
- NorthLife Aesthetics (Coeur d’Alene)
- Bolton Law (Coeur d’Alene)
- Kayu International (Hayden)
- Sandpoint Ceramics (Sandpoint)
- Cultivation Counseling (Sandpoint)
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY24 as part of the Workforce Information grant (48%) and state/nonfederal (52%) totaling $704,259.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.