Around Southwestern Idaho: Economic activity, April 2025

Jan Roeser, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2172

Regional labor market information

Southwestern Idaho’s single-family home sales – March 2024 and 2025

Median price sold20252024Change
Ada$565,000$560,0000.9%
Adams$365,000$322,50013.2%
Boise$625,800$568,00010.2%
Canyon$424,990$413,3952.8%
Elmore$357,990$349,9502.3%
Gem$384,950$397,950-3.3%
Owyhee$559,995$350,00060.0%
Payette$363,950$389,000-6.4%
Valley$895,000$814,00010.0%
Washington$320,250$334,867-4.4%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1b.
Days on market20252024Change
Ada4648-4.2%
Adams1438176.5%
Boise3749-24.5%
Canyon53506.0%
Elmore56551.8%
Gem5179-35.4%
Owyhee866336.5%
Payette746317.5%
Valley1136768.7%
Washington8627218.5%
Regional average days755828.0%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1c.
Inventory20252024Change
Ada1,5471,26422.4%
Adams292326.1%
Boise745827.6%
Canyon1,04681827.9%
Elmore1186971.0%
Gem1066563.1%
Owyhee241650.0%
Payette97943.2%
Valley1067934.2%
Washington3953-26.4%
Regional totals3,1862,53925.5%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1d.
Total homes sold20252024Change
Ada6756484.2%
Adams12-50.0%
Boise176183.3%
Canyon3913773.7%
Elmore27263.8%
Gem2630-13.3%
Owyhee8714.3%
Payette2425-4.0%
Valley18175.9%
Washington9650.0%
SW sold and % change1,1961,1444.5%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 2.
Southwestern Idaho job postingsMar-24Mar-25% change# change
Unique postings10,11810,6144.9%496
Days posted101110.0%1
Number of employers2,9013,0896.5%188
Advertised wage$23.48$29.7226.6%$6.24
Share wage advertisements44%49%11.4%5%
Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast
Figure 3.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southwestern IdahoPostings, Mar-25Postings, Mar-24Year over year % change
Sales representatives, wholesale, manufacturing, except technical and scientific products2432305.7%
Registered nurses328353-7.1%
Customer service representatives20417516.6%
Retail salespersons253297-14.8%
Software developers20616326.4%
Trailer-tractor truck drivers18612548.8%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers130189-31.2%
Project management specialists15111630.2%
Waiters and waitresses998023.8%
Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand102948.5%
Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast

Regional news

  • On April 1, Lucky Peak Reservoir began filling its 45-mile canal system that feeds irrigation water to approximately 165,000 acres of Treasure Valley farms, serving five irrigation districts. Producers were able to tap into the full system starting mid-April. The Boise River basin shows the reservoir storage volume was 95% of normal capacity. The Payette system was 93% of its normal capacity. According to the USDA National Resources Conservation Service, hydrologists are optimistic that many irrigators across the state will have sufficient water this growing season. The Southern Snake River basins are at 100-120% of normal capacity, with the Owyhee basin at 185% of normal capacity.
  • Idaho Power has filed with the Public Utility Commission requesting a 5.89% rate cut for all Idaho customers and a 5.87% rate cut for irrigators. This reduction is based on anticipation of a good water year resulting in more low-cost hydroelectricity. The New York Canal has started an $81.5 million rehabilitation project affecting a six-mile stretch. The project will be completed by 2030 with $50 million of American Rescue Plan Act monies shortening the original timeframe. The water depth will be restored to its original depth, dirt will be compacted and a polyester liner with a 50-year life will be installed. Source: Capital Press and KTVB News
  • Both Tamarack and Brundage ski hills closed for the season per the terms of its lease with the Forest Service in mid-April. Bogus Basin extended its season by a week because it continued to have groomed runs. It received tremendous snowfall this past season — an estimated 297 inches. Its base depth is 358% of its average for this time of year. Source: Idaho News 6

Ada County

  • The College of Western Idaho (CWI) is partnering with a local developer to build a downtown Boise campus. The programs offered at the Boise campus will include computer science, cybersecurity and business. The mixed-use development will include housing, hotel and retail mingled with the college building. The completion date is estimated to be fall 2027. The new campus will free up some funds that were directed at leasing multiple space in Nampa. The CWI component is about 101,000 square feet. Source: Idaho Business Review
  • Idaho Power agreed to pay a settlement of $800,000 towards mitigating the impact of the Valley Fire in Boise’s eastern foothills last fall. A power line touched the dry ground, causing the fire which burned 9,904 acres, including part of the Boise River Wildlife Management Area. It is home to more than 300 species of animals, is a migratory path for elk and deer between summer and winter seasons, along with an important winter range protected from nearby development. The money will go towards repairing and replanting habitat by the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, which does not have a budget line item for wildfire reparations. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
  • The family of Dallas and Alta Harris donated its geothermal water rights to the city of Boise. There are four systems serving Boise including: one at the statehouse, the world’s first geothermal system in 1892 that continues to feed the mansions along Warm Springs Avenue, the Boise VA Medical Center has its own smaller system and a system that provides energy to 100 downtown Boise buildings. The city currently pumps 385 million gallons annually, so with the new donation output will increase to 1.5 billion gallons annually. The family donated 7.2 cubic feet per second of geothermal water and kept .2 cubic feet for personal use. The water is delivered at 170 degrees and the city’s system currently covers 6.5 million square feet. It is pumped out of deep wells at Military Reserve. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Boise State University President Marlene Tromp accepted the presidency position at University of Vermont where she will be the 28th president. She has been at Boise State University since the summer of 2019 and faced many challenges with the COVID-19 pandemic. The State Board of Education begins the task of searching nationally for a replacement. Source: KTVB News
  • The Idaho Air National Guard deployed 300 Airmen to Jordan from the 124th Fighter Wing. The group is tasked with supporting combat and peacekeeping operations. The wing’s airplane is an A-10 Thunderbolt II. The wing commander mentioned the large number of young people that were pilots, maintenance personnel and other support personnel headed for their first deployment – the group has a scheduled return within 180 days. Source: KTVB News
  • West Ada School District announced the hiring of 17 deans to track students’ academic progress, effectively reducing strain on principals with primary leadership duties requiring their attention. There had been temporary interns relieving some of the strain on principals. Those positions will be replaced with the permanent administrators and the budget will be redirected to enhance recruitment of the higher skilled administrators. Source: Idaho Education News

Canyon County

  • Caldwell’s airport will soon have a 116-foot control tower. The city applied for funding from the Federal Aviation Administration requesting $21 million toward the control tower. Caldwell’s airport is the largest in terms of aircraft landings and takeoffs without a control tower. The airport handles nearly 150,000 flights in and out annually. The city will need to contribute 10% of the cost. Source: Idaho News 6
  • Nampa School District is starting to assess its transition to a four-day school week. This first year has seen many changes, including a new student transportation provider after 64 years with Brown Bus Company. First Student, the new bus company, was initially criticized for getting students to school late and for students not getting on the correct bus after school, resulting in frequent late home arrivals. The shorter week is compensated for by longer days which is being reconsidered for the elementary students who start school at 8:51 a.m. with dismissal at 4:21 p.m. Scores improved last fall with the Idaho Reading Indicator moving from 59% to 61%. The spring scores for standardized testing have not been released. Source: Idaho Education News
  • The Caldwell School Board approved a memorandum of understanding with St. Luke’s Healthcare System for a traveling pediatric clinic to provide care at four of its elementary schools. The clinic is funded by a five-year United Way Treasure Valley Rural Expansion Grant. The clinic will take appointments and provide access to pre-school siblings of existing students. The schools include Lewis and Clark, Sacajawea, Washington and Wilson elementary schools. The clinic is not free,  running visits through parents’ insurance. Still, there is an assistance fund for those in need. Offering these services at the schools is a national trend that is on the rise. Boise and Nampa have mobile clinics, also. Momentum grew after a sample survey of parents identified a 25% interest in these services. Source: Idaho Press
  • The Church of Latter-day Saints announced they will build a temple in Caldwell, making it the third temple in the Treasure Valley. Idaho’s total number of temples with the Caldwell addition brings its total to 11. Source: Idaho Press

Elmore County

  • A new casino has been proposed by the Duck Valley Shoshone-Paiute tribe on land with ancestral ties. The development off I-84 between Mountain Home and Boise must first be approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the State of Idaho. The Sho-Pai formed a partnership with the Coeur d’Alene tribe who purchased the 561 acres of ground and agreed to give it to the Sho-Pai. They will collaborate in design, operations and funding. The Tribe’s reservation is located on the state line between Idaho and Nevada. Its members have experienced high levels of poverty and unemployment with housing and infrastructure lacking or in need of repair. The tribal leadership believes tribal gaming will provide jobs along with funding for infrastructure. It will fend off the persistent poverty as has occurred with other tribes in Idaho and across the nation. Source: Idaho Statesman

Owyhee County

  • A new mining company out of Canada is considering restarting an open pit gold and silver mine in Silver City. Integra aka DeLamar Mining Company submitted a revised mine plan to the Bureau of Land Management. The process for environmental review can take several years. Other mining projects in the region include: CuMo copper mine that has received approval to drill exploratorily near Idaho City and Perpetua near Yellow Pine is hoping to revive a gold and antimony open pit adjacent to the former Stibnite Mine. Source: Idaho Statesman

Valley County

  • The city of Cascade plans to offer a geothermal water system to its residents. The new system would be called the Cascade Geothermal Heating and Cooling District Planning Project. Cascade currently has seven wells that access naturally heated water ranging between 50 and 90 degrees. The existing wells have the capacity to heat or cool the entire city. It is the infrastructure to distribute the water that needs additional funding beyond the $8.8 million block grant awarded to Cascade. The city plans to offer incentives to purchase heating pumps that will decrease costs over the long-term with the geothermal water reducing costs by two-thirds compared to electricity and propane heat. The final plan is scheduled for September 2026. Source: The Star-News
  • Legacy Park will not offer rental boat operations onsite at Payette Lake this summer — the first time in years. The city council is reviewing whether a commercial operation should be allowed to earn money at a city park. The previous concessioner was Cheap Thrills Rentals with a permit dated from 2008-2024. Source: The Star-News
  • The Roughnecks junior hockey team based out of Bakersfield, California, is moving to McCall and rebranding to the McCall Smokejumpers. The competitive junior hockey season starts in September. Previously, the Junior Steelheads played in McCall for nine years between 2009 and 2017. They called themselves the Idaho Ice Cats their final year. The league is established for players aged 16-20 who want to eventually play for a college team or professionally. Source: The Star-News
  • Highway 95 from Council to New Meadows has re-opened one lane for use following repairs following a landslide. The Idaho Transportation Department has authorized two crews to work daily to expedite the process, which is expected to be fully completed this summer. Source: Idaho News 6

Groundbreakings

  • The Middleton School District broke ground on its new building dedicated to Career Technical Education. The facility is located behind Middleton Middle School and is branded the Middleton Career Campus Construction Building. It will offer courses in construction and cabinetry combined with math and English courses adapted to careers in the trades. Completion is expected this fall. Source: CBS2 News

Openings

  • The Idaho Air National Guard has opened a new medical training facility at Gowen Field. The $8 million clinic supports about 1,300 airmen while providing training to medics that assist with the care in Boise and while on missions. A federal Community Project Funding grant helped build the 10,550 square foot facility. Source: KTVB News
  • Black Dog Bar opened in the former New Colony Beer Co. space and is operated by the former Piper Pub owner. It is open to both dogs and their dog owners. There are plans to eventually offer food. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Grand Canyon University opened its 16-month, accelerated Bachelor of Nursing program in Meridian. It is partnering with St. Alphonsus Health System to give students clinical experience. It is a private Christian institution based out of Phoenix. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Happy Teriyaki opened in the former Dickey’s Barbeque Pit location in Garden City. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Corso’s Italian Steak House opened in Boise at the site of many former restaurants including Murphy’s Seafood & Steakhouse, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery, Tap & Cask, Jalapeno’s Bar & Grill and back in the ‘80’s — The Ram. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Abercrombie and Fitch opened at the Village in Meridian. Source: BoiseDev

Closures

  • Green’s Deli is closing its sandwich shop to focus more on its Green Acres Food Truck Park. Anesso’s will take over the space in May offering Italian sandwiches and salads. Its bread is sourced to its sister operation, Black Moon Pastries & Pizza restaurant which is located in Garden City. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Lemon Tree Co. closed its restaurant in southeast Boise due to staffing issues. It shared space with The STIL. It is continuing with its downtown sandwich shop and its rebranded café, The Grove by Lemon Tree Co. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • The discount air carrier, Avelo Airlines, is ending its Boise commercial flights after winning a contract with the federal government’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency to fly deportees out of the country via Phoenix. The airline had a direct flight from Boise to the Sonoma County Airport. Source: Idaho Statesman

Layoffs

  • The Meridian-based Scentsy, a multi-level marketing company offering direct mail wax warmers and candles, announced that it laid off 116 workers, about 11% of its total staff. Its news release commented the company had experienced an annual doubling of its sales during one of the pandemic years, which resulted in the hiring of 1,000 additional workers. Compensation packages were distributed based on years of service. Source: Idaho News 6
  • Blue Cross of Idaho announced layoffs of 135 employees after losing a contract to cover dual enrollees of those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid coverage. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare chose to end its decade-long contract with Blue Cross of Idaho a year earlier than planned. The contract was awarded to United Healthcare and Molina Healthcare, both out-of-state insurers. The separations will start June 6 and wrap up by Oct. 1. Those losing their jobs include 40 clinical care coordinators, 36 care coordinators/operations specialists/care managers, 12 claims examiners/clinical support supervisors and others. Source: Idaho Press

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.

Around Eastern Idaho: Economic activity, April 2025

Ryan Whitesides, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2347

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for March 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have total over-the-month employment decreasing with unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, March preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 86, with 298 fewer employed people and 384 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region increased to 3.4% since last month, 0.2 percentage points higher than February 2024.
Figure 1.
Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted dataMar-25 (P)Feb-25 (P)Mar-24 (B)
Civilian labor force131,942131,856133,623
Total employment127,399127,697129,360
Unemployment4,5434,1594,263
% of labor force unemployed3.43.23.2
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • There were an estimated 2,995 deduplicated job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for March 2025, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (This is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) The 2,995 postings are a 0.7% decrease from 3,014 the prior month and a 14% increase from 2,584 year-over-year. Heavy and tractor-truck drivers replaced registered nurses in the top spot of unique job postings in the region for March. New to the top occupations by quantity of job postings this month were project management specialists. Employer hiring demand based on quantity of job postings increased 27% for truck drivers and 16% for civil engineers, then decreased 22% for registered nurses and 12% for farmworkers since last month.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, March 2025Postings
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers135
Registered nurses 103
Crop, nursery, greenhouse farmworkers and laborers76
Retail salespersons75
Customer service representatives62
Physical therapists58
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers47
Civil engineers44
Project management specialists37
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers37
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Educational services replaced finance and insurance in the top five regional industries by quantity of job postings in March. Hiring demand based on total unique job postings increased over the month at 32% for educational services, 19% for accommodation and food service, 14% for administrative support and waste management, 12% for manufacturing and 5% for wholesale trade in the top industry categories. Hiring demand based on job postings decreased 68% in finance and insurance, 8% in public administration, 7% in health care and social assistance and 6% in professional, scientific and technical industries.
Figure 3.
Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, March 2025Postings
Professional, scientific and technical services341
Health care and social assistance332
Retail trade284
Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services258
Educational services238
Manufacturing233
Wholesale trade166
Construction134
Finance and insurance93
Public administration77
Accommodation and food services74
Utilities64
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • March hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings, included customer service representatives, general and operations managers and sales representatives.  Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in March by occupational family were management and sales and related. All occupations except fishing and hunting workers, nursing assistants and inspectors were new to this month’s hardest-to-fill jobs list.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, March 2025Days to fillPostings
General and operations managers5331
Fishing and hunting workers4615
Software developers4222
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives 3930
Nursing assistants3822
First-line supervisors of office and administrative support workers3821
Inspectors, testers, sorters, samplers and weighers3815
Occupational health and safety specialists3718
Customer service representatives3562
Accountants and auditors3423
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

  • Yellowstone National Park  saw an increase in recreation visits in 2024, making it the second busiest year on record since 1904. Over 4.7 million people visited the park in 2024, a 5.4% increase from 2023. Source: National Park Service
  • Idaho National Laboratory partnered with Idaho Power, which operates 17 hydroelectric projects, to analyze the economic and environmental impacts of integrating hydrogen production with hydropower plants. The project is funded by the Department of Energy’s Water Power Technology Office. Source: Idaho National Laboratory
  • According to Natural Resources Conservation Services mountain data from SNOTEL, the six runoff basins that comprise eastern Idaho have an average year-to-date mountain snow water equivalent of 107% of median and average year-to-date precipitation of 91% of median. The forecast calls for 94% of average runoff April – July at Upper Snake basin. The entire Upper Snake River reservoir system is at 82% of capacity, which prompted Palisades Reservoir flood-control releases of excess water due to above-normal snowpack. Source: Natural Resources Conservation Services, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

Bonneville County

  • Gameday Men’s Health clinic opened in Ammon. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
  • Marco’s Pizza opened a second area restaurant in Idaho Falls. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
  • Dreamy Denz, a soft play party rental business, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
  • Rally to Rise Physical Therapy opened in Ammon. Source: East Idaho News
  • AgeWell Connections, a supportive services establishment for aging customers, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
  • Grand Teton Mall in Idaho Falls will now showcase vendor markets from Idaho and other states. Events by Sydney, a Utah-based event management company, are contracted with the mall as a hub for handmade goods, artisan products, services and unique finds. Source: East Idaho News
  • The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Young Mazda, Gameday Men’s Health, Marco’s Pizza and CASA. 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
  • Idaho Falls Festival of Trees donated $85,000 to Development Workshop Inc., a disability community resource provider. Source: The Post Register

Butte County

  • The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality awarded $500,000 in drinking water construction funding to Butte City. Funds are intended to improve the distribution system, including adding valves, hydrants and water meters. Source: East Idaho News

Jefferson County

  • The city of Rigby approved final plat and development for Magnolia Estates, a 12-lot subdivision. They also approved five-acre higher-density R-2 zoning for the construction of side-by-side homes by Grover Properties. Source: Jefferson Star
  • The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved $80,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funds to help West Jefferson Fire District construct a new $870,000 fire station. Source: Jefferson Star

Madison County

  • Bargain Treasure Bins, a retailer, opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
  • Sugarbeast, an ice cream and dessert shop, opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
  • Snake River Strings Co. opened a fourth music studio, this time in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
  • An exotic pet store, Custom Creatures Pet Club, opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
  • Bravo 6, a flight school in Rexburg, has expanded. They now have five planes, multiple instructors, a flight simulator and mechanics. Students can obtain a private pilot’s license, train at the commercial level or train to be a flight instructor. Source: KIFI

Teton County

  • The U.S. Forest Service and the Caribou-Targhee National Forest released an environmental impact statement (EIS) for Grand Targhee Resort’s proposed expansion – adjacent public lands would impact recreation, the environment and communities like Victor and Driggs. The EIS identifies four major expansion concerns: impacts to wildlife habitat, backcountry skiing, scenery and socioeconomic issues such as lack of affordable housing. Full expansion of the resort would reportedly increase both winter visitation by 33% and summer visitation by 68% in the next decade, compared to no development, creating over 600 full-time jobs. Source: USDA Forest Service
  • The 70-year-old Pierre’s Theatre in Victor is being sold after re-opening four years ago. The seller hopes it will remain open for business as a community space for culture and entertainment. Source: Teton Valley News 
  • New West purchased 3,000 square feet of business space in Driggs. Source: Idaho Business Review

Eastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – March 2024 and 2025

  • Home prices decreased during March by an average of $35,000 in seven of nine counties in the region. The median days eastern Idaho homes are sitting on the market, decreased by an average of five days over the month.  Regional pending home sales saw little movement over the month, but a 13% decrease over the year. There has been little change in listings inventory regionwide since February.
Figure 5.
Median price soldMar-25Mar-24Change
Bonneville$425,000$460,000-7.6%
Butte$217,000$240,000-9.6%
Clark$280,000$240,00016.7%
Custer$570,000$487,00017.0%
Fremont$745,000$714,0004.3%
Jefferson$510,000$562,000-9.3%
Lemhi$500,000$679,000-26.4%
Madison$439,500$417,0005.4%
Teton$947,000$843,50012.3%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics
Figure 6.
Active listings (inventory)Mar-25Mar-24Change
Bonneville34123346.4%
Butte914-35.7%
Clark31200.0%
Custer25250.0%
Fremont71710.0%
Jefferson886241.9%
Lemhi482965.5%
Madison837116.9%
Teton1076175.4%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 7.
Median days on marketMar-25Mar-24Change
Bonneville493732.4%
Butte15813616.2%
Clark3215113.3%
Custer1631499.4%
Fremont12711510.4%
Jefferson524320.9%
Lemhi137151-9.3%
Madison60567.1%
Teton67102-34.3%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 8.
Total homes pending saleMar-25Mar-24Change
Bonneville169188-10.1%
Butte4333.3%
Clark1N/AN/A
Custer72250.0%
Fremont161145.5%
Jefferson413420.6%
Lemhi5425.0%
Madison26248.3%
Teton4291-53.8%
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.

Around Southeastern Idaho: Economic activity, April 2025

Brandon Duong, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 236-6715

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for March 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics had total employment and total unemployment increasing in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, March’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 180 people, with 33 more employed people and 147 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.7%, a 0.2% increase from February 2025 and March 2024.
Figure 1.
Southeastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data
Mar-25 (P)Feb-25 (R)Mar-24 (B)
Civilian labor force87,47187,29186,295
Total employment84,25584,22283,234
Unemployment3,2163,0693,061
% of labor force unemployed3.7%3.5%3.5%
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
  • In March 2025 there were 1,520 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area, which decreased 5.6% from the prior month at 1,439 postings and 4.7% over the year at 1,452 postings. The median job posting duration was 29 days, a decrease of six days from February and an increase of three days from March 2024.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
Mar-25
Postings,
Mar-24
Registered nurses6965
Farmworkers, laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse 664
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers4651
Retail salespersons4174
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers3814
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers3232
Maintenance, repair workers and general2723
Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand 2625
Customer service representatives2530
General and operations manager2315
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho for March were health care, sales and management. Among specific occupations, were registered nurses (69), farmworkers (66) and truck drivers (46). Farmworkers continued to increase year over year, as the region experienced higher average temperatures and less snowfall than last year.
Figure 3.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
Mar-25
Postings,
Mar-24
General medical and surgical hospitals143160
Direct health and medical insurance carriers6957
Engineering services6710
Other general government support5725
College, universities and professional schools5456
Supermarkets and other grocery retailers (except convenience retailers)3819
Frozen fruit, juice and vegetable manufacturing3518
Limited-service restaurants2921
Commercial and institutional building construction2734
Other snack food manufacturing276
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 March. This includes general medical and surgical hospitals, supermarkets, frozen fruit and vegetable manufacturing. Engineering postings increased substantially year over year as did snack foods and government support. Colleges and commercial construction saw a small decrease in postings year over year along with hospitals which decreased by 17 postings. Yet again, this small decrease was not enough to change hospitals from their rank as the top hiring industry in the region.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in southeastern IdahoMedian duration,
Mar-25
Unique postings,
Mar-25
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers597
Buyers and purchasing agents571
Pharmacy technicians5711
Water, wastewater treatment plants and system operators574
First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers and repairers567
Community, social service specialists and all other 566
Executive secretaries and executive administrative assistants 541
Insurance sales agents521
Financial examiners 521
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers 518
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Based on the hiring challenges by median number of days an occupational job posting is listed, mining engineers (59), purchasing agents (57), pharmacy technicians (57) and wastewater treatment operators (57) stood out. Of these top hardest-to-fill occupations, none of them were in the top 10 for most in demand.
Figure 5.
County housing data, March 2025Median listing priceMonth over month price changeMedian days on the marketActive listings
Bannock$410,0004.61%64239
Bear Lake$599,00045.83%5949
Bingham$452,5004.03%71108
Caribou$417,500-3.91%5228
Franklin$550,000-3.17%6846
Oneida$359,000-12.69%15016
Power$415,0009.07%6625
Source: Realtor.com Economic Research
  • In March, the biggest upward trend in prices came from Bear Lake County at a 46% median price increase since last month. This is because the county was at the lower end of market duration indicating a hotter market. The county with the longest median time on the market and lowest listing price was Oneida County at 150 days. Caribou County had the lowest median of 52 days on the market.

Regional news

Bannock County

  • Idaho Central Credit Union held a groundbreaking for its Union Field House at the Mountain View Event Center. The fieldhouse will be a place for people to practice indoor soccer, baseball or lacrosse thanks to a $4,000,000 grant from the credit union. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The Chubbuck Fire Department unveiled a new ladder truck thanks to a $500,000 grant from Idaho Central Credit Union. The new ladder can extend 100 feet and has a basket at the top to carry people up and down. Source: East Idaho News
  • Idaho State University (ISU) continued its third year in a row for enrollment growth as it experienced a 2.9% increase year over year for its spring semester at 11,000 students. This is the largest undergraduate enrollment increase since Spring 2016. Source: ISU News
  • Zoo Idaho of Pocatello opened its doors for the 2025 season. Source: KIFI News
  • Big O Tires has been reopened as Sparks Tire Pros under the new ownership of Isabel Luna, a longtime employee. Source KPVI News
  • Advantage Plus Federal Credit Union provided new scoreboards for the middle schools of the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District 25. Source: KPVI News

Bear Lake County

  • The Grounded Goat, a goat yoga studio, will be opening in Bear Lake Valley. Owner, Shelly Longfellow, will offer patrons the chance to experience yoga among goats — a viral internet trend. Source: The News Examiner

Bingham County

  • Homestead Family Restaurant, open since 1989, closed its doors in late March. Source: East Idaho News
  • Shoshone Bannock Tribal Fish and Game and the Fish and Wildlife Department reopened Interstate 15 after moving 120 elk. This comes as the herd ventured too close between exit 80 and 89, causing 50 elk to be hit and interrupting transit. Traffic was diverted to Highway 91 during the operation. Source: East Idaho News

Caribou County

  • Work is progressing at the Caribou County Event Center. The $3,800,000 project will not only serve as a showroom during the county fair, but will also serve as a youth development, emergency medical services and firefighter hub during the off season. Source: East Idaho News

Franklin County

  • Fades Barbershop opened in Preston on 30 S. State Street. Owner, Shailyn Garner, earned her barber license 15 years ago and hopes to provide affordable haircuts to Franklin and Cache County. Source: The Preston Citizen

Oneida County

  • Exit 13 Antiques of Malad held a spring antique show. Source: The Idaho Enterprise
  • The Nell J. Redfield Memorial Hospital hosted an Evening of the Arts fundraiser. Bidding opened for baskets assembled by local businesses to finance renovations and equipment for the hospital. Ahead of the event, Rocky Mountain Power gave a $5,000 grant for a new freezer for the hospital kitchen. Source: The Idaho Enterprise

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.

Around South Central Idaho: Economic activity, April 2025

Seth Harrington, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2364

Regional labor market information

Figure 1.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in south central IdahoPostings, Mar-25Postings, Mar-24
Registered nurses148149
Farmworkers, laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse14549
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers142107
Retail salespersons91115
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers6724
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers 6563
Stockers and order fillers 6234
Customer service representatives6162
Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand5549
Maintenance, repair workers and general4236
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 2
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in south central IdahoPostings, Mar-25Postings, Mar-24
Health care and social assistance425468
Manufacturing385338
Retail trade340395
Finance and insurance290105
Professional, scientific and technical services198123
Construction15291
Wholesale trade124106
Accommodation and food services12080
Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services11396
Transportation and warehousing8588
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Construction, professional, scientific, technical services, finance and insurance job postings increased 67%, 176% and 61% respectively over the year. Health care, social assistance and retail trade decreased 9.2% and 13.9% respectively.

Figure 3
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in south central IdahoDays to fill, Mar-25Days to fill, Mar-24
Miscellaneous assemblers and fabricators5914
Paramedics59N/A
Outdoor power equipment and other small engine mechanics 59N/A
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment583
Pediatricians and general56N/A
Genetic counselors56N/A
Health care social workers55N/A
Cleaners of vehicles and equipment 5315
Pipelayers53N/A
Insurance sales agents 5242
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Blaine County

  • A 33,500 square foot Karl Malone Ford dealership has begun construction in Bellevue. Additionally, a Maverik gas station and convenience store is being built next to the dealership. Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Jerome County

  • St. Luke’s Jerome Medical Center has expanded its ability to serve a larger population. Four patient rooms have been added to the center, increasing the maximum capacity from 10 to 15 patients. Source: KMVT

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.

Around North Central Idaho: Economic activity, April 2025

Lisa Grigg, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2256

Regional news

  • Parent company Dollar Tree will sell Family Dollar to Brigade Capital Management and Macellum Capital Management. Family Dollar currently operates two locations in north central Idaho in Orofino and Grangeville. Transaction is expected to close by June 2025 and the future of the local stores is not yet known. Source: Washington Post, Family Dollar
  • House Bill 425 was signed into law during the 2025 legislative session that appropriates Division of Public Works funds during fiscal year 2026. Approved projects within north central Idaho include $5.5 million in funding for construction of a new Idaho State Police District 2 facility and $8 million to construct a Joint Military Science and Veterans’ Assistance Center at the University of Idaho. Source: Idaho Legislature
  • The American Rivers environmental organization designated the Clearwater River as the 7th most endangered river in the U.S. due to rising threats from logging, mining and potential future dams. Source: American Rivers

Nez Perce County

  • The State Board of Education approved a request from Lewis-Clark State College to change its name to Lewis-Clark State University. The name change will then be considered by the Idaho Legislature and the college’s accrediting body and could become official by Spring 2026. Lewis-Clark State College’s academic programs range from professional certificates to graduate degrees. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
  • Lewiston City Council amended city code that previously prohibited shipping containers to be repurposed accessory buildings within city limits. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • The United Methodist Church and the Nez Perce Tribe formally recognized the transfer of ownership of the historic church north of Lapwai to the tribe. Source: Nez Perce Tribe
  • The Nez Perce Tribal Housing Authority acquired the former Thunderbird Gas Station in downtown Lapwai for future development supporting community growth and vitality. Source: Daily Fly
  • The Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport has reduced Air Traffic Control Tower operating hours due to staffing shortages. Commercial flight schedules will continue as usual, but pilots of private planes need to be aware of the shortened hours. The airport will also be purchasing a new snowplow, having the taxiways resurfaced and terminating its shuttle service due to low use. Source: Lewiston-Nez Perce County Airport
  • The Lewiston school board approved a $9.2 million bid from Kenaston Corporation to construct the new high school ball fields, bleachers, restrooms and a new assembly shop at the DeAtley Tech Center. Projects will likely be completed by spring of 2027. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • Family Promise of Lewis-Clark Valley was awarded a $20,000 grant from Clayton Homes. Funds will be used to assist families into securing permanent housing. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • Axess Self Storage, owned by Merrell Enterprises, is building a 12-building facility to house 609 new storage units in Lewiston. Expected completion is expected in early fall 2025 and will be the 10th regional location for the company. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Idaho County

  • The Animal Rescue Foundation opened a Resale Store in Grangeville featuring gently used clothing, accessories, jewelry and housewares. All proceeds will be used for local rescue programs as well as going toward the construction of the new animal shelter. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

  • The United States Department of Agriculture cancelled a five-year, $59 million Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities grant awarded to University of Idaho for its Innovative Agriculture and Marketing Partnership project. The program’s focus was to reduce climate impact within the production of Idaho’s top commodities – potatoes, sugar beets, wheat, barley, hops, chickpeas and beef. The cancellation was a result of the revision of rules now stating that at least 65% of grant funds must go directly to producers compared to a requirement of at least 50% when the grant was awarded. University of Idaho will be reimbursed for all grant related expenses incurred through April 13 and the university is eligible to reapply to the grant program through June 20. Source: University of Idaho
  • The Garden Lounge recently reopened in downtown Moscow after extensive renovations. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • The Moscow City Council voted to dissolve the Moscow Pathways Commission. Pathway issues will now be handled by the Moscow Transportation Commission or the Parks and Recreation Commission. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • After selling its building, the Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center in Moscow will relocate to a new location by June 30. Source: Pullman Radio

Clearwater County

  • Nearly 400 students from regional school districts attended the north central Idaho Workforce Exploration Day in Orofino. The event highlights careers that support local families and the natural resources within north central Idaho. Source: Clearwater Tribune

Openings

  • Refuge Cigar Lounge, Moscow
  • The Pilates Studio, Lewiston
  • Mountain View Event Rentals, Grangeville
  • Triangle Tavern, Grangeville
  • Fresh Start Cleaning Solutions, Stites
  • Sparky’s Driving and Delivery Service, Kooskia

Closings

  • Wayback Café, Lewiston
  • Pizza Factory, Kamiah
  • U.S. Bank, Orofino

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.

Around Northern Idaho: Economic activity, April 2025

Sam Wolkenhauer, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2353

Regional labor market information

  • Labor demand in northern Idaho was robust in March 2025, with a total of 2,077 unique job postings in the region. Job postings were elevated relative to both the previous month, with 1,876 postings in February 2025. Year over year, the region experienced 1,858 postings in March 2024. Unemployment decreased slightly to 4.4% in March, compared to 4.8% in February and 4.5% in March of 2024. Total employment and labor force both increased slightly year over year.
Figure 1.
Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted dataMar-25 (P)Feb-25 (R)Mar-24 (B)
Civilian labor force131,883133,076129,023
Total employment126,028126,750123,188
Unemployment5,8556,3265,835
% of labor force unemployed4.4%4.8%4.5%
Source: Idaho Department of LaborP – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern IdahoPostings,
Mar-25
Postings,
Mar-24
Registered nurses9677
Retail salespersons9286
Home health and personal care aides6224
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers5221
Customer service representatives 4537
Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand4042
Cashiers3721
Medical and health services managers3128
Fast food and counter workers3040
Landscaping and groundskeeping workers2911
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 3.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in northern Idaho, March 2025Postings, Mar-25Postings, Mar-25
Health care and social assistance291242
Retail trade259259
Administrative and support services174145
Manufacturing 108120
Accommodation and food services102119
Wholesale trade9571
Professional, scientific and technical services8666
Finance and insurance8173
Other services (except public administration)7670
Construction6561
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern IdahoMedian duration Mar-25Median duration Mar-24
Parts salespeople30N/A
Speech language pathologists 26N/A
Correctional officer and jailers 26N/A
Roofers25N/A
Veterinarians25N/A
Packaging, filling machine operators and tenders24N/A
Logisticians23N/A
Lifeguards, ski patrol and other recreational protective services workers23N/A
Middle school teachers, except special and Career Technical Education23N/A
Database architects 21N/A
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Kootenai County

  • Hagadone Hospitality broke ground on the new Sherman Tower, which will be a 15-story expansion of the Coeur d’Alene Resort. The tower will feature 139 guest rooms in addition to nearly 10,000 square feet of restaurant, retail and office space. The opening is scheduled for the spring of 2027. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Two new hotels are under construction in Kootenai County. In Coeur d’Alene, a Marriott-branded AC Hotel is now under construction, which will have 126 guest rooms and open in 2027. Work was previously underway on a 151-room Hyatt Place Hotel in Post Falls, which will open in December. Source: Journal of Business
  • The developers of the new Thomas George luxury high-rise condominium tower in Coeur d’Alene announced that construction is scheduled for completion this year, with residents moving in by years’ end. The top floors of the 80-unit, 18 story tower have been poured. Source: Journal of Business

Openings

  • Houston Hot Chicken (Post Falls)
  • HeatPraxia (Coeur d’Alene)
  • Lakeside CrossFit (Coeur d’Alene)
  • Marketplace@Miles (Hayden)
  • Grocery Outlet (Post Falls)
  • Ponderosa Building Supply (Hauser)
  • The Hound House (Hayden)
  • Milk and Honey (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.