Month: March 2025
Regional labor market information
- In February 2025 there were 1,403 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area, which increased 6% from the prior month at 1,320 and 5% over the year at 1,331. The median job posting duration was 23 days, 11 days less than January 2025 and three days less than February 2024.
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southeastern Idaho | Postings, Feb-25 | Postings, Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers, laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse | 82 | 3 |
| Registered nurses | 56 | 56 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 51 | 44 |
| Retail salespersons | 41 | 63 |
| Merchandise displayers and window trimmers | 31 | 15 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 26 | 27 |
| Maintenance, repair workers and general | 21 | 24 |
| General and operations managers | 19 | 14 |
| Fast food and counter workers | 19 | 9 |
| Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand | 18 | 26 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
- The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho for February were health care, management and sales. Among specific occupations were retail salespersons (41), registered nurses (56) and general managers (19). For the top position there are farmworkers, registered nurses and truck drivers.
| Top industries by job unique postings in southeastern Idaho | Postings, Feb-25 | Postings, Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| General medical and surgical hospitals | 116 | 141 |
| Engineering services | 73 | 22 |
| Direct health and medical insurance carriers | 69 | 48 |
| Other general government support | 54 | 32 |
| Colleges, universities and professional schools | 45 | 59 |
| Commercial and institutional building construction | 26 | 36 |
| Supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers) | 25 | 14 |
| Frozen fruit, juice and vegetable manufacturing | 22 | 29 |
| Other snack food manufacturing | 21 | 13 |
| Executive offices | 21 | 0 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
- Health care, social assistance, retail, trade and manufacturing are at the top of broadly defined industries by unique online job postings in February. This includes general medical and surgical hospitals, supermarkets and frozen fruit and vegetable manufacturing. Engineering postings increased substantially year over year as did supermarkets (79%), government support (69%) and snack foods (62%). Frozen fruits and vegetables, commercial construction, colleges and general hospitals all saw a small decrease.
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in southeastern Idaho | Median duration, Feb-25 | Unique postings, Feb-25 |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical assistants | 59 | 1 |
| Operating engineers and other construction equipment operators | 57 | 11 |
| Acturaries | 54 | 2 |
| Project management specialists | 53 | 17 |
| Surgical technologists | 51 | 4 |
| Community, social service specialists and all other | 51 | 4 |
| Athletic trainers | 51 | 2 |
| Radiation therapists | 51 | 1 |
| Bakers | 47 | 1 |
| Computer network architects | 47 | 5 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
- Based on the hiring challenges by median number of days an occupational job posting is listed, business and production stood out in February, including project management (53 days) and bakers (17 days).
| County housing data, February 2025 | Median listing price | Month over month price change | Median days on the market | Active listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bannock | $391,950 | -0.75% | 75 | 244 |
| Bear Lake | $410,750 | 3.40% | 137 | 41 |
| Bingham | $434,975 | 4.19% | 78 | 107 |
| Caribou | $434,500 | -3.87% | 79 | 22 |
| Franklin | $568,025 | 4.85% | 62 | 41 |
| Oneida | $411,175 | -2.96% | 161 | 20 |
| Power | $380,500 | 0.40% | 112 | 23 |
| Source: Realtor.com Economic Research | ||||
- There was some negative price movement in February in most counties while there was a large increase in Franklin County and a large decrease in Caribou County. The county with the longest median time on the market was Oneida County at 161 days. Power County had the lowest median listing price in the region while Franklin was the hottest with the lowest median of 62 days on the market.
Regional news
Bannock County
- The Portneuf Health Trust recognized the Pocatello Community Recreation Center as its organization of the year. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Jersey Mike’s in Pocatello donated 15% of their sales Feb. 28 to United Way of Southeastern Idaho. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Bannock Development Corporation announced the Convention, Recreation, Entertainment, Sports and Travel Pocatello Project. The project is intended to build a stadium between the Pocatello Regional Airport and Interstate 86. Source: KPVI News
- Champ’s Heart in Idaho Falls was presented with a $15,000 grant from The Bannock Civitan. Champ’s Heart organizes horse encounters for special needs children. Source: KPVI News
- Delta Airlines will be cancelling one of its two nonstop flights out of Pocatello Regional Airport due to low passenger numbers. Delta had been subsidized by the city of Pocatello for $500,000 to keep the flight. Source: Idaho State Journal
- The Pocatello Barricade, a bar and arcade, expanded its services to include mixed drinks under the new ownership. Jackie and Justin Reader now hold a liquor license—whereas previously, they had only been able to serve beer and wine. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Better Health and Healing, a clinic in Pocatello, held a ribbon cutting. The clinic focuses on encouraging better nutrition and lifestyle while also offering pelvic rehab and physical therapy. Source: KPVI News
- The Museum of Clean in Pocatello opened a new activity center to teach children about STEM and veterinary science. Source: KIFI News
- School District 25 of Pocatello and Chubbuck announced its plan to begin rebuilding Highland High School in two phases. Phase one focuses on the gym, kitchen, cafeteria and new classrooms. Phase two will focus on restoring the performing arts center and the courtyard. Phases are slated to complete in January and July of 2027. Source: Idaho State Journal
- The theater company, Westside Players, is issuing a campaign to raise $30,000 for a new stage and heating units. Source: East Idaho News
- Iron Dynasty Gym opened in Chubbuck. Source: KPVI News
Bear Lake County
- The Bear Lake Arts Council held a fundraiser for the Bear Lake Senior Center in Montpelier. The Arts Council held a singing and dancing act. The council also sold gifts and baked goods—raising $5,000. Source: The News-Examiner
Bingham County
- A new country store, The Merc, opened in Shelley aiming to provide fresh produce, snacks, art and seeds in a similar vein to the former King’s variety store that closed years ago. Source: East Idaho News
- Tokyo Japanese Restaurant opened in Blackfoot. Source: Facebook, East Idaho News
Caribou County
- Rise and Shine Daycare in Soda Springs is permanently closing its doors after four years due to drying up government grants and unpaid bills from parents. Source: News Examiner
- A new shade cover is being installed at the Soda Springs City Park thanks to donations from a variety of organizations including the Idaho Realtors Association, Guardian Realty, Caribou Ford, Liberty Jeep, Chadwick Foundation, Caribou County and the Lions Club. The shade cover, installed by Blaze Signs, cost $45,000 and makes the playground serviceable by keeping the temperature down on the play equipment. Source: Idaho State Journal
Franklin County
- The City of Preston has received a $50,000 Gem grant to fund the Downtown Revitalization Project, which will be constructed by Jones & Demille Engineering. Source: The Preston Citizen
Oneida County
- The Malad Stake Family Search Center received a new book scanner to assist in its archiving efforts. It is currently digitizing all of the Malad High School yearbooks. Source: The Idaho Enterprise
- Brolum’s purchased Thomas Market in Malad. Source: The Idaho Enterprise
Power County
- The College of Southern Idaho’s Head Start program in American Falls will be receiving a new building in May. The program is a federally funded program to provide preschool to low-income families. Source: Idaho State Journal
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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.
Regional labor market information
- There were an estimated 3,014 unique job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for February 2025, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (This is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) The 3,014 postings are a 4% increase from 2,880 the prior month and a 9% increase from 2,614 year-over-year. Registered nurses remained in the top spot of unique job postings in the region for February. New to the top occupations by quantity of job postings this month were merchandise displayers and civil engineers. Employer hiring demand based on quantity of job postings increased 191% for truck driving, 150% for customer service, 136% for nursing, 108% for sales, 104% for retail supervision, 95% for farm work and 58% for freight and material mover occupations since last month.
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, February 2025 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 132 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 99 |
| Crop, nursery, greenhouse farmworkers and laborers | 86 |
| Retail salespersons | 77 |
| Customer service representatives | 65 |
| Physical therapists | 61 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 51 |
| Merchandise displayers and window trimmers | 38 |
| Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers | 38 |
| Civil engineers | 37 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
- There was no change to the top five regional industries by quantity of job postings since last month. Hiring demand by total unique job postings more than doubled over the month in the top industry categories.
| Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, February 2025 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 364 |
| Health care and social assistance | 357 |
| Finance and insurance | 294 |
| Retail trade | 284 |
| Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services | 221 |
| Manufacturing | 204 |
| Educational services | 163 |
| Wholesale trade | 157 |
| Construction | 135 |
| Public administration | 84 |
| Accommodation and food services | 60 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 49 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
- February hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings, included heavy truck drivers, civil engineers and construction laborers. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in February by occupational family were engineering and health care practitioners. All occupations except construction laborers and management analysts were new to this month’s hardest-to-fill jobs list.
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, February 2025 | Days to fill | Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Nuclear engineers | 46 | 22 |
| Fishing and hunting workers | 34 | 26 |
| Civil engineers | 33 | 37 |
| Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers and weighers | 33 | 19 |
| Automative service technicians and mechanics | 33 | 17 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 32 | 100 |
| Construction laborers | 32 | 33 |
| Coaches and scouts | 32 | 24 |
| Nursing assistants | 31 | 26 |
| Management analysts | 30 | 18 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
Regional news
- The College of Eastern Idaho’s new program for law enforcement — Peace Officer Standards and Training — has received official approval from the state. The program will launch two academies, detention and patrol, starting April 28. Source: The Post Register
- An Education Superhighway event will be held June 4 – 6. This event will help students and job seekers learn about career pathways in the region and how to access training. Partners include the following:
- Idaho State University – Idaho Falls campus industry programs
- Teton Toyota – automotive industry.
- College of Eastern Idaho – medical, skilled trade and law enforcement industries.
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls is partnering with the J.R. Simplot Company to fund facility expansion. It will include a new state-of-the-art education center, additional gallery space and a riverfront gathering area. Source: KIFI
- According to Natural Resources Conservation Services mountain data from SNOTEL, the six runoff basins that comprise eastern Idaho have an average year-to-date snow water equivalent of nearly 100% of median and average year-to-date precipitation of 91% of median. The seasonal outlook forecasts drought conditions to persist in the Salmon River basin over the next three months. Upper Snake basin reservoir system storage is 77% of capacity and 111% of normal as of March 1. The forecast calls for 103% of normal runoff April to July at Upper Snake basin. The Big Lost and Little Lost river basins show slight potential for a shortage of irrigation water. Source: Natural Resources Conservation Services
Bonneville County
- Tropical Smoothie Café opened a second location, this time in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Peak Linen, a health care, manufacturing, food service linen cleaner and servicer, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
- Park & A Italia restaurant opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Falls Magazine
- Team Lionheart MMA, a mixed martial arts gym, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- A self-service auto salvage yard, Big D Pick & Pull, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Young Mazda opened a new auto dealership in Idaho Falls. Source: KIFI
- Café Zupas restaurant is opening in Ammon. Source: East Idaho News
- CMIT Solutions, a customized information technology (IT) support firm, opened a location in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Falls Magazine
- Grand Peaks Medical opened in Idaho Falls, their third clinic location. Source: KIFI
- Teton Music retail store in Ammon is permanently closing. Source: East Idaho News
- The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Peak Linen and Westmark Credit Union Member Solutions Center. These establishments either opened their doors within the past six months, moved to a new location due to expansion, or have remodeled or expanded their current location. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
- A new mosque in Ammon is near completion for the Islamic community in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
Custer County
- The city of Stanley is hiring a firm to help plan and build a low-income workforce housing development on four acres, that the city owns. The project is being funded with $4 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development community project program. Source: The Challis Messenger
Fremont County
- Teton Regional Land Trust completed the purchase of a 320-acre conservation easement in Island Park on the Tom’s Creek property within the Caribou-Targhee National Forest. The land is prime grizzly bear habitat, open grazed land, upland forest and wetland vegetation along springs and creeks. Sources of funding are grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service North American Wetlands Conservation Act, Cross Charitable Foundation, Vital Ground Foundation and private donations. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
Jefferson County
- Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office was allocated $271,500 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for new equipment and vehicles. Source: The Jefferson Star
Lemhi County
- An Australian company, Jervois Mining that operates the Idaho Cobalt Operations project, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It is slated to reach a funding and recapitalization agreement with Millstreet Capital Management by April. The changes reportedly won’t disrupt commercial operations or business. Cobalt mined at Jervois is priced at an all-time low. Source: The Challis Messenger
Madison County
- Uptown Plaza Event Center opened in Rexburg. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- South Fork Flooring opened in Rexburg. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- BYU-Idaho parent university, BYU-Provo, is rolling out a new medical school in two to three years. The School of Medicine Advisory Council consists of 15 working groups and 140 advisers. A working partnership has already been established with Intermountain Health. Source: The Deseret News
- The city of Rexburg has signed a contract with an architect to build a new police station. Source: KIFI
- The Local Highway Technical Assistance Council awarded the city of Rexburg two federal grants to cover the cost to upgrade one street and to improve the city’s traffic signals. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- The Rexburg Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cutting ceremonies at Tommy’s Carwash, Cornerstone Caregiving, Masala Indian Cuisine and Uptown Plaza Event Center. Source: Rexburg Chamber of Commerce
Teton County
- Lula Wine Bar opened in Driggs. Source: The Jackson Hole News and Guide
Eastern Idaho commercial real estate statistics – 2024 and 2025
- There have been two large move-outs in Idaho Falls — First American Docutech and Wells Fargo — leaving 46,000 total square feet of industrial and office space vacant in 2024. However, total office real estate transactions in the first half of 2024 increased 49% over the year. Multitenant vacancy has increased over a percentage point the past 12 months to 8%. In the first half of 2024, industrial transactions doubled over the year.
- Industrial construction delivered 239,000 square feet of space halfway through 2024. Vacancy increased by almost two percentage points — to 8.5% — and retail transactions decreased 18% during the same time period. Overall, asking lease rates have increased 10% compared to last year. Commercial land transactions increased rapidly to 23% and commercial building permits increased 9% over the year, including Idahoan Foods building a large new plant in Idaho Falls. Retail remained the top sector for commercial leases, followed by office and industrial. Source: TOK Commercial Real Estate
Eastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – February 2024 and 2025
- Bonneville, Madison, Jefferson and Clark counties are the fastest selling housing markets in the region, showing an average of 48 days listed, which is a relatively long time to sit on the market. Idaho has dropped to 28th nationally for fastest selling housing markets, based on homes selling in 30 days or less. Regional pending home sales saw little change with a 2% decrease over the year.
- Nationally, pending home sales have dropped to the lowest in 25 years, owing to high interest rates and the opportunity cost being too great for homeowners to move. It would otherwise be a homebuyers’ market with the market softening, if not for continued high costs of borrowing and the increased price of homes themselves. The eastern Idaho supply of homes for sale has nearly doubled since February 2023, including an overabundance of new construction, yet regional home prices have still increased by 7% over the year. In 2024, total single-family building permits in the region doubled since 2023 with over 500 permits issued so far in 2025. There are 1,200 units currently planned or under construction. Source: TOK Commercial Real Estate, Realtor.com, View Homes
| Median price sold | Feb-25 | Feb-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | $427,200 | $435,000 | -1.8% |
| Butte | $232,000 | $239,725 | -3.2% |
| Clark | $242,450 | $240,000 | 1.0% |
| Custer | $592,500 | $532,500 | 11.3% |
| Fremont | $774,450 | $738,750 | 4.8% |
| Jefferson | $499,000 | $508,825 | -1.9% |
| Lemhi | $500,000 | $638,500 | -21.7% |
| Madison | $426,700 | $375,000 | 13.8% |
| Teton | $1,150,000 | $858,000 | 34.0% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | |||
| Active listings (inventory) | Feb-25 | Feb-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 340 | 54 | 529.6% |
| Butte | 8 | 12 | -33.3% |
| Clark | 3 | 1 | 200.0% |
| Custer | 23 | 27 | -14.8% |
| Fremont | 69 | 67 | 3.0% |
| Jefferson | 87 | 60 | 45.0% |
| Lemhi | 46 | 30 | 53.3% |
| Madison | 80 | 67 | 19.4% |
| Teton | 94 | 72 | 30.6% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Median days on market | Feb-25 | Feb-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 64 | 54 | 18.5% |
| Butte | 161 | 124 | 29.8% |
| Clark | 22 | 184 | -88.0% |
| Custer | 151 | 120 | 25.8% |
| Fremont | 136 | 122 | 11.5% |
| Jefferson | 42 | 57 | -26.3% |
| Lemhi | 136 | 132 | 3.0% |
| Madison | 64 | 83 | -22.9% |
| Teton | 119 | 149 | -20.1% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Total homes pending sale | Feb-25 | Feb-24 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 159 | 164 | -3.0% |
| Butte | 4 | 4 | 0.0% |
| Clark | 1 | N/A | N/A |
| Custer | 11 | 3 | 266.7% |
| Fremont | 17 | 13 | 30.8% |
| Jefferson | 35 | 34 | 2.9% |
| Lemhi | 6 | 5 | 20.0% |
| Madison | 25 | 22 | 13.6% |
| Teton | 57 | 77 | -26.0% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | |||
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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.
Regional labor market information
Figure 1.| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in south central Idaho | Postings, Feb-25 | Postings, Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Farmworkers, laborers, crop, nursery, and greenhouse | 187 | 61 |
| Registered nurses | 131 | 117 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 121 | 84 |
| Retail salespersons | 91 | 76 |
| Merchandise displayers and window trimmers | 59 | 35 |
| Maintenance, repair workers and general | 51 | 43 |
| Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand | 51 | 40 |
| Customer service representatives | 50 | 70 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 40 | 45 |
| General and operations managers | 36 | 32 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
| Top 10 industries by unique job postings in south central Idaho | Postings, Feb-25 | Postings, Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 397 | 406 |
| Manufacturing | 356 | 292 |
| Retail trade | 302 | 344 |
| Finance and insurance | 231 | 89 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 189 | 115 |
| Construction | 130 | 56 |
| Wholesale trade | 112 | 76 |
| Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services | 106 | 76 |
| Accommodation and food services | 106 | 68 |
| Educational services | 94 | 30 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
- Construction, finance, insurance and educational services job postings increased 132%, 159% and 213% respectively over the year. Health care, social assistance and retail trade decreased 2.2% and 12.2% respectively.
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in south central Idaho | Days to fill, Feb-25 | Days to fill, Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Protective services workers and all other | 58 | N/A |
| Coaches and scouts | 57 | N/A |
| Psychiatric technicians | 56 | 17 |
| Tax preparers | 55 | N/A |
| Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers, except line installers | 52 | N/A |
| Agricultural equipment operators | 51 | 34 |
| Dental assistants | 50 | 21 |
| Welders, cutters, solderers and brazers | 48 | N/A |
| Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary | 47 | N/A |
| Financial specialists and all other | 46 | N/A |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
Regional news
Blaine County
- Bellevue was awarded a $85,000 community project grant to improve outdoor public space at Memorial Park. The grant includes funds to provide technical assistance to the city of Bellevue. The grant was provided by The Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
Jerome County
- D&B Supply has broken ground in a 58,000 square foot store in Jerome that is expected to be in operation in spring 2026. Source: Magic Valley Times News
Twin Falls County
- The Twin Falls Fire Department has opened a regional fire training center that allows for firefighters to get hands-on training at a dedicated training facility. Source: Magic Valley Times News
- Chobani has announced a $500 million dollar and 500,000 square feet expansion at the Twin Falls plant. High protein yogurt products have been growing in demand in recent years and the new expansion will allow for an increased production in high-protein products. The expansion is expected to be an 18-month project that is estimated to add 200 technical jobs. Source: Magic Valley Times News
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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.
Regional labor market information
Southwestern Idaho’s single-family home sales – February 2024 and 2025
| Median price sold | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | $530,000 | $519,000 | 2.1% |
| Adams | $355,000 | $325,000 | 9.2% |
| Boise | $529,500 | $510,000 | 3.8% |
| Canyon | $416,490 | $409,818 | 1.6% |
| Elmore | $392,990 | $315,500 | 24.6% |
| Gem | $429,900 | $485,000 | -11.4% |
| Owyhee | $327,000 | $286,000 | 14.3% |
| Payette | $380,000 | $357,499 | 6.3% |
| Valley | $805,518 | $1,000,000 | -19.4% |
| Washington | $320,250 | $314,900 | 1.7% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Figure 1b.
| Days on market | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 52 | 49 | 6.1% |
| Adams | 60 | 35 | 71.4% |
| Boise | 59 | 54 | 9.3% |
| Canyon | 64 | 49 | 30.6% |
| Elmore | 65 | 58 | 12.1% |
| Gem | 76 | 92 | -17.4% |
| Owyhee | 78 | 60 | 30.0% |
| Payette | 85 | 57 | 49.1% |
| Valley | 93 | 98 | -5.1% |
| Washington | 57 | 106 | -46.2% |
| Regional average days | 69 | 66 | 4.7% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Figure 1c.
| Inventory | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 1,421 | 1,126 | 26.2% |
| Adams | 25 | 21 | 19.0% |
| Boise | 61 | 37 | 64.9% |
| Canyon | 1,016 | 726 | 39.9% |
| Elmore | 110 | 55 | 100.0% |
| Gem | 100 | 56 | 78.6% |
| Owyhee | 16 | 22 | -27.3% |
| Payette | 100 | 82 | 22.0% |
| Valley | 95 | 79 | 20.3% |
| Washington | 33 | 44 | -25.0% |
| Regional totals | 2,977 | 2,248 | 32.4% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Figure 1d.
| Total homes sold | 2025 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 604 | 529 | 14.2% |
| Adams | 4 | 6 | -33.3% |
| Boise | 12 | 11 | 9.1% |
| Canyon | 368 | 330 | 11.5% |
| Elmore | 31 | 22 | 40.9% |
| Gem | 15 | 14 | 7.1% |
| Owyhee | 6 | 9 | -33.3% |
| Payette | 23 | 26 | -11.5% |
| Valley | 9 | 13 | -30.8% |
| Washington | 12 | 7 | 71.4% |
| SW sold and % change | 1,084 | 967 | 12.1% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
| Southwestern Idaho job postings | Feb-24 | Feb-25 | % change | # change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unique postings | 8,375 | 10,041 | 19.9% | 1,666 |
| Days posted | 10 | 11 | 10.0% | 1 |
| Number of employers | 2,657 | 2,774 | 4.4% | 117 |
| Advertised wage | $22.95 | $30.00 | 30.7% | $7.05 |
| Share wage advertisements | 44% | 50% | 13.6% | 6% |
| Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southwestern Idaho | Postings, Feb-25 | Postings, Feb-24 | Year over year % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sales representatives, wholesale, manufacturing, except technical and scientific products | 621 | 555 | 11.9% |
| Registered nurses | 1,729 | 1,360 | 27.1% |
| Customer service representatives | 641 | 666 | -3.8% |
| Retail salespersons | 602 | 1,144 | -47.4% |
| Software developers | 442 | 201 | 119.9% |
| Trailer-tractor truck drivers | 355 | 334 | 6.3% |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 301 | 530 | -43.2% |
| Project management specialists | 306 | 261 | 17.2% |
| Fast food and counter workers | 207 | 227 | -8.8% |
| Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand | 261 | 285 | -8.4% |
| Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast |
Regional news
Ada County
- St. Luke’s Boise Medical Center announced it started a program last November coined ‘Hospital at Home’. A patient fitting the program’s parameters can take equipment home with follow-up visits from hospital-employed paramedics. The number of daily visits depends on the patient’s needs. Health care professionals can check the living environment and ensure nothing could potentially complicate a condition — an advantage to a hospital stay. Source: KTVB News
- The Ada County Highway District and the Idaho Transportation Department collaborated to provide temporary repairs to a failing bridge in Boise, spending an estimated $500,000. The road bridge has reopened after stabilization of its footings in the Boise River. The shutdown lasted almost two months. The bridge is on a list for full replacement in a couple of years. Source: Idaho News 6
- Seven Idaho companies were included on the Forbes Best Employers List. Of the 701 large companies on the list, Treasure Valley entities included: Winco Foods ranked No. 67, St. Alphonsus Health Care System ranked No. 187 and The J.R. Simplot Company ranked No. 292. On the midsize employers list, Treasure Valley businesses included: Jackson Foods ranked No. 170, Scentsy ranked No. 292 and Norco ranked No. 370. The poll contacted 217,000 employees across the country to see which priorities were highest when it came to employment. Compensation was the top priority, followed by employee development and advancement, meaningful work, supportive colleagues and workplace well-being and flexibility. Source: Idaho Business Review
Boise County
- Idaho City turned off its water service to residents after reports of low water pressure. A leak was found and water restored but only after some restaurants had to shut down or limit service. Source: Idaho Statesman
Canyon County
- Middleton School District trustees voted to put a $19.9 million bond on the ballot for the May election. The bond funds would be used to build a new elementary school that would educate 600-700 students. The school received $17 million from a legislative bill that was recently passed to help schools with facilities that need updating or to build new ones. The amount was deemed insufficient to provide overdue maintenance and build a new school in the current cost environment. Two of the three elementary schools are over capacity including Heights Elementary (145%), Mill Creek Elementary (114%) and Purple Sage Elementary (90%). The school district has experienced five failed bonds attempts since passing a bond in 2008 for a new high school. The requirement of a supermajority of 66.67% of voters in favor lowers the odds of voter approval. The 20-year bond would cost taxpayers $34 per $100,000 of assessed value after the homeowner’s exemption of $125,000. Source: Idaho Press
- The College of Idaho, a private college in Caldwell, has reorganized with President Doug Brigham filling the newly formed chief executive officer position. The executive vice president and provost was promoted to the presidential position. The college also announced it will phase out its Professional, Ethical, Articulate and Knowledgeable (PEAK) curriculum which allowed students to achieve one major and three minors. Students will have the option to finish out their PEAK programming or shift to the new curriculum “Do More in Four.” The new curriculum will include a four-day school week and four credit classes, allowing students to graduate with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in four years. New programs include criminology and international affairs departments at the college. The four-day week allows companies to have more time with interns or for uninterrupted research on that free Friday. The college has maintained enrollment of about 1,000 students since 2019. Source: Idaho Press
- Nampa started collecting a local option tax tied to hotel receipts, creating a pool of money for expansion of tourism amenities. The Ford Center and the Nampa Civic Center are examples of potential funding recipients. Source: Idaho News 6
Owyhee County
- The city of Homedale purchased the South Board of Control’s former business office when they moved to the vacant Vance Dairy Construction building, also in Homedale. The South Board oversees the irrigation districts utilizing water from the Owyhee River. The Owyhee Project stores water and provides electricity generation, flood control and recreational opportunities. Source: The Owyhee Avalanche
- The Owyhee County Historical Museum in Murphy has leased a 9,000 square foot lot behind the museum in preparation for building a wagon barn. The museum is the recipient of 35 antique wagons and stagecoaches from Mike Haney, a transportation historian and collector living in Jordan Valley, Oregon. The collection is well over 100 years old and a video regarding the wagons can be viewed here. The museum is accepting donations towards the $350,000 price tag for the barn, with several large in-kind and monetary contributions already pledged. The museum hopes to have the wagon barn in place by the summer of 2026. Source: The Owyhee Avalanche
Valley County
- The Payette Lakes Recreational Sewer and Water District is seeking a $7 million bond to repair its sewer system. The election will be held in May requiring 50% of the voters, plus one vote for approval. Source: The Star-News
- In May, McCall voters will vote on whether to renew ‘the streets’ local option tax (LOT) for 10 years. It requires 60% of voter approval to pass. The city is also asking for an additional 1%, moving the LOT from 3% to 4%. Source: The Star-News
Openings
- A ribbon cutting was held to welcome the new Department of Motor Vehicles office located in Star City Hall. Appointments must be made in advance. Source: Idaho News 6
- Belmont Brew House opened in Garden City’s former Twisted District Brew Co. which closed last spring. A wide variety of cider and tap beer are offered, along with a robust menu consisting of made-from-scratch choices. Source: Idaho Statesman
- The Boise Police Department (BPD) opened a new substation coined the Whitewater Station. The cost to remodel the former Moneytree was about $1.8 million and will house the motorcycle and DUI teams, along with providing cubicles for all officers to drop in and utilize the space. “Total demand for traffic services, complaints and crashes has risen over 25% in the last five years,” according to a BPD representative.” Source: Idaho Press
- Rapido Burrito opened in the previous Gyro Shack spot in west Boise. The same owner rebranded a Gyro Shack earlier in Boise to fit consumer preferences across the Treasure Valley. There are no plans to convert the remaining four Gyro Shack restaurants, which are performing well according to the restaurateur. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Rosa’s, a taco shop that co-locates with Push and Pour coffee shop in Garden City, opened its doors to crowds. It offers organic corn tortillas while being part of the Wylder family of restaurants that include the Wylder, Certified Kitchen + Bakery, the Roosevelt Market, the Wyld Child and the Percy. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop opened in Star. It is a franchise offering a variety of sandwiches. The franchise is already established in Coeur d’Alene and Twin Falls, with plans to open another restaurant in Meridian before years end. Source: Idaho Statesman
Closures
- Wells Fargo announced it will close its Collister branch and its Vista branch in Boise. In addition, a Boise bench branch will move to a nearby location in May. The bank closed a branch in Meridian over a year ago. Finally, its Enterprise Complaint Center, a call center located in Boise, has laid off 55 employees which was expected after earlier announcements by Wells Fargo. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Cinnaholic closed its bakery located at the Village in Meridian. The eatery had been open for eight years. Source: Idaho News 6
- The Chicken Shanty, an Oregon-based premium craft chicken eatery, closed its Meridian restaurant. Source: Idaho Statesman
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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.
Regional news
- Both Lewis-Clark State College and the University of Idaho reported strong enrollment numbers for the Spring 2025 semester. Compared to Spring 2024, Lewis-Clark State College reported more than 300 additional students while the University of Idaho reported over 400 more enrollments. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- The LC Valley Food project is a new online food hub pilot that will connect a mix of local producers while creating a single pick-up point for consumers. Source: KOZE
- St. Mary’s Health and Clearwater Valley Health have launched a new 3D mobile mammography program. The mobile unit will rotate between clinic locations in Cottonwood, Grangeville, Orofino and Kamiah. Source: Idaho County Free Press
Nez Perce County
- Reliance Ministries of Lewiston has purchased a home that will serve as a Reliance House for pregnant mothers and babies. The 22-month residential program is set up to allow mothers to break cycles of crisis while pursuing independence and success. Source: KOZE
Idaho County
- Idaho County Airport has opened a new pilot’s lounge offering Wi-Fi, restrooms and a place to rest. Source: Idaho County Free Press
- Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) is working to open a Resale Store in Grangeville to support their animal shelter. Source: ARF
- The new Salmon River Safe Haven Resource Center nonprofit in Riggins will provide assistance to domestic violence victims. Source:
Latah County
- Latah County Commissioners signed an emergency disaster declaration in early March following flooding events during the last week of February. The combination of still frozen ground, elevated temperatures, melting snow and high levels of precipitation washed out roadways. It also flooded parks and neighborhoods. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- Paradise Creek Bicycles has transitioned from a retail storefront to offering mobile bike maintenance services. Source: Paradise Creek Bicycles
- Latah Recovery Center has opened the Whitman Recovery Community Center in Pullman, Washington, for people recovering from substance use and facing behavioral health issues. The Latah Recovery Center has been in operation in Moscow for 10 years. Source: KXLY
- The National Science Foundation awarded a $4.5 million grant to the University of Idaho to develop open source artificial intelligence (AI) tools to help institutions manage grants and contracts more effectively. If successful, the program will complete monotonous and time-consuming administrative tasks while staff is better able to focus resources on strategic responsibilities. The project will initially partner with the University of Idaho and the University of Southern Utah, with plans to expand to additional data-drive research institutions. Source: National Science Foundation
- The University of Idaho received a $350,000 grant from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for extra cold walk-in freezers for cryopreservation of perishable biological samples. This follows a $550,000 grant award in 2024 from the same organization for a chemical ionization mass spectrometer at the Ecoflux lab in Moscow. Source: Pullman Radio
- The Latah County Library District received a $10,000 grant from the American Library Association to help fund automatic doors for ADA compliance at the Kendrick branch. Source: Lewiston Tribune
Clearwater County
- Around five gallons of hydraulic oil were spilled into the north fork of the Clearwater River from a hydro plant operated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources. Cleanup is in process and no fish mortalities are expected. Source: Daily Fly
- The Rex Theater in Orofino is under new ownership. Future plans include movies, live performances, and workshop and conference space for public and private events. The Rex originally opened in 1914 as Orofino’s first theater. Source: Daily Fly
- The Orofino City Council approved spending $350,000 for two portions of the Cured-In-Place Pipe project that will be completed by C&L Water Solutions. The project will address the city’s aging sanitary sewer lines. Source: Clearwater Tribune
Lewis County
- The Prairie River Library District recently hired a branch manager in Nezperce and the library has resumed regular operating hours. Source: Nezperce City Council
Openings
- NRH Construction, Grangeville
- Freedom Hard Plumbing, Kamiah
- Wild Heart Designs, Cottonwood
- Malama Smoothies and Coffee Co, Lewiston
- F Street Bar, Lewiston
- Pepper’s Taco Truck, Grangeville
- White Bird Store and Liquor, White Bird
- Amigos Mexican Food Restaurant, Riggins
- Innovative Electric Services is under new ownership, Orofino
Closings
- Wooden Nickel sports bar, Lewiston
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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.
Regional labor market information
- Labor demand in northern Idaho was stable in February 2025, with a total of 1,896 unique job postings in the region, compared to 1,916 in January. Labor demand remains markedly higher than in the previous year, when February 2024 job postings decreased by 18% at 1,559. Due to Bureau of Labor Statistics benchmarking work, which occurs in the first quarter of each year, there is no update to labor force and unemployment statistics for February.
| Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted data | Dec-24 (P) | Nov-24 (R) | Dec-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 130,789 | 129,172 | 127,946 |
| Total employment | 124,474 | 123,097 | 122,592 |
| Unemployment | 6,315 | 6,075 | 5,354 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 4.8% | 4.7% | 4.2% |
| Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked |
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern Idaho | Postings, Feb-25 | Postings, Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 124 | 60 |
| Retail salespersons | 63 | 62 |
| Home health and personal care aides | 57 | 26 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 33 | 36 |
| Fast food and counter workers | 32 | 37 |
| Medical and health services managers | 27 | 17 |
| Nursing assistants | 26 | 13 |
| Janitors and cleaners | 26 | 23 |
| Maids and housekeeping cleaners | 24 | 19 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 23 | 17 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 industries by job unique postings in northern Idaho | Postings, Feb-25 | Postings, Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 312 | 216 |
| Administrative and support services | 198 | 162 |
| Retail trade | 188 | 188 |
| Accommodation and food services | 104 | 81 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 99 | 82 |
| Finance and insurance | 95 | 111 |
| Manufacturing | 83 | 86 |
| Wholesale trade | 57 | 41 |
| Construction | 49 | 34 |
| Educational services | 47 | 36 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern Idaho | Median duration Feb-25 | Median duration Feb-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Database architects | 23 | N/A |
| Dentists and general | 23 | N/A |
| Pharmacy technicians | 23 | N/A |
| Structural iron and steel workers | 23 | N/A |
| Cashiers | 22 | N/A |
| Loan interviewers and clerks | 20 | N/A |
| Education administrators and postsecondary | 19 | N/A |
| Occupational health and safety technicians | 19 | N/A |
| Public relations specialists | 19 | N/A |
| Securities, commodities, financial services and sales agents | 19 | N/A |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
Regional news
Kootenai County
- Kootenai Health and MultiCare have announced plans to develop a new 30-acre medical campus, called Prairie Medical Campus, on the Highway 41 corridor in Post Falls. Phase one will include a micro-hospital with an emergency department and imaging, along with a multi-story facility for ambulatory surgery, laboratory services and clinic offices. Development will begin in 2025 with a 24-to-36-month completion timetable for the first phase. Source: MultiCare Newsroom
- The first phase of construction at the Millworx development has been completed, with over 200 residential units, including townhouses and multifamily residences, completed. In addition, a four-story mixed-use building has been completed with residential space available on the ground floors and residential units now available on upper levels. A 151-room hotel is still under construction and is expected to be completed by year-end. Source: Journal of Business
- The City of Coeur d’Alene’s Planning and Zoning Commission moved forward with approval for the proposed Coeur Terre development. Coeur Terre calls for a 438-acre development with up to 2,800 housing units, retail and restaurants, 18 acres of parks, and land for a new police substation and two public schools. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) is beginning the next phase of construction work on the major interchange rework at Interstate 90 and State Highway 41. After relatively mild weather allowed progress to continue throughout the winter, ITD crews have closed the westbound off-ramp and have begun construction of new ramps. Construction began in 2022 and is slated for completion in 2026. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
Openings
- 208 Clothing & Gift (Rathdrum)
- B Boulangerie (Hayden)
- Grocery Outlet (Post Falls)
- Sierra (Coeur d’Alene)
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
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.