Around Southeastern Idaho: Economic activity, August 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for July 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics had total employment and unemployment in the labor force increasing in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, July’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 500 people, with 343 more employed people and 157 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.9%, a 0.2% increase from June 2025 and 0.2% from July 2024.
Figure 1.
Southeastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data
Jul-25 (P)Jun-25 (R)Jul-24 (B)
Civilian labor force87,72087,22086,905
Total employment84,31983,97683,684
Unemployment3,4013,2443,221
% of labor force unemployed3.9%3.7%3.7%
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
  • In July 2025 there were 2,854 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area, which increased 24% from the prior month and 77% year over year. The median job posting duration was 32 days, an increase of 10 days from June and a decrease of one day from July 2024.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
Jul-25
Postings,
Jul-24
Retail salespersons116105
Home health and personal care aides11618
Registered nurses 10177
Heavy and tractor-trailer trucker drivers9353
Customer service representatives6828
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners4814
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers4542
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical and executive4421
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers4124
Teaching assistants, except postsecondary4023
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho for July were health care, sales and transportation. Among specific occupations, retail salespersons tied with home health aides at 116 job postings, while registered nurses had 101 job postings. This month home health and personal care aides were elevated from 18 postings last year.
Figure 3.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
Jul-25
Postings,
Jul-24
General medical and surgical hospitals294208
Elementary and secondary schools9959
Home health care services7710
Limited-service restaurants7721
Direct health and medical insurance carriers7539
Colleges, universities and professional schools7550
Supermarkets and other grocery (except convenience) stores7143
Warehouse clubs and supercenters6121
Automotive parts and accessories retailers4212
Lessors of other real estate property395
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Health care and social assistance, retail, trade and manufacturing landed at the top of broadly defined industries by unique online job postings in July. This includes general medical and surgical hospitals, supermarkets and elementary schools. Each and every listed industry had elevated postings since last year.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in southeastern IdahoMedian duration,
Jul-25
Unique postings,
Jul-25
Health care diagnosing or treating practictioners and all other592
Buyers and purchasing agents573
Pesticide handlers, sprayers, applicators and vegetation563
Automotive and watercraft service attendants564
Millwrights554
Dietitians and nutritionists548
Bus, truck mechanics and diesel engine specialists542
Locksmiths and safe repairers542
Glaziers542
Personal financial advisors534
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Based on the hiring challenges by median number of days an occupational job posting is listed, health care diagnostics (59), purchasing agents (57), pesticide handlers (56) and automotive service attendants (56) stood out as the hardest to fill. Of these occupations, none of them made the top 10 list for most in demand occupations.
Figure 5.
County housing data, July 2025Median listing priceMonth over month price changeMedian days on the marketActive listings
Bannock$425,450-0.33%53358
Bear Lake$599,500-2.76%8982
Bingham$469,7254.83%58177
Caribou$391,125-0.98%5952
Franklin$501,0000.00%6477
Oneida$501,000-0.68%8823
Power$399,225-1.29%6830
Source: Realtor.com Economic Research
  • In July, Oneida County remained the lowest median price with continued downward price movement at -0.68% month over month. The county also had smallest overall housing stock.
  • Franklin County had a more middling number of listings for the region, yet had no month over month price movement.
  • Bear Lake County continued to have the highest median listing price in the region and the most days on the market, although it did see a decline of 2.7% in prices since June.

Regional news

Bannock County

  • The Downey Bannock County Fairground’s new Exhibit Hall held a ribbon cutting. The structure replaces the old building and will have expanded functionality including an exhibit space, kitchen, offices and meeting room. The building was financed using a $1 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act and $700,000 in donations. Source: KIFI News
  • Optimist Skate Park in Pocatello held its ribbon cutting. The nearly 8,000 square foot facility features ramps, stairs, ledges, rails and a 41 foot long bowl. The project was funded through an American Rescue Plan Act grant in addition to $25,000 from the Southeast Idaho Skatepark Association. Source: KPVI News
  • The Bannock Development Corporation, an economic development agency based in Pocatello, changed its name to Portneuf Valley Development Corporation. Source: East Idaho News
  • Lava Hot Springs Academy, a new charter school in the place of the former Lava Elementary School, opened. The school plans to be operational for the upcoming school year and will teach kindergarten through 6th grade with new curriculum. Source: KPVI News
  • Tilly’s Pizzeria in Lava Hot Springs opened on Center Street. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bingham County

  • Idaho National Laboratory visited Fort Hall as part of their STEM Scholars on the Road summer program. The program aims to introduce students to a variety of science, technology, engineering, arts and math careers. Source: Sho-Ban News

Caribou County

  • The Soda Springs Geyser went dormant as mechanical failure caused the cap that times the geyser’s eruptions to every hour, to remain closed. Repairs are expected to take eight weeks. Source: KIFI News
  • The Small Town Ruckus podcast, based in Soda Springs, started streaming to discuss rural living. Source: The News Examiner

Oneida County

  • Bamma Wamma’s Pop Soda expanded its facilities to accommodate new frozen yogurt offerings in the City of Malad. Source: The Idaho Enterprise
  • Subway, in the City of Malad, changed ownership. Source: The Idaho Enterprise

Power County

  • Lamb Weston, at the behest of activist investors, ousted its CEO. The new administration set a goal to reduce its workforce by 4%. This is part of its new strategic plan to reduce costs by $250 million by the end of 2025. Source: East Idaho 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.

Around Eastern Idaho: Economic activity, August 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for July 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics had total over-the-month employment marginally decreasing and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, July preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 38 people, with 175 fewer employed people and 213 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region increased by 0.2 percentage points to 3.4% over the month and was the same as July 2024.
Figure 1.
Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted dataJul-25 (P)Jun-25 (P)Jul-24 (B)
Civilian labor force132,006131,968135,732
Total employment127,510127,685131,168
Unemployment4,4964,2834,564
% of labor force unemployed3.43.23.4
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • There were an estimated 5,177 deduplicated job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for July 2025, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (This is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) The postings are a 30.7% increase from 3,961 the prior month and an 84.5% increase year over year.
  • Customer service representatives replaced hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers in the top five of unique job postings in the region for July. Driver sales workers were new to the top occupations by quantity of job postings in July. Employer hiring demand, based on quantity of job postings, increased 72% for registered nurses, 42% for customer service representatives, 35% for personal care aides, 31% for retail sales supervisors and 20% for merchandise displayers and window trimmers. Hiring demand decreased 9% for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, July 2025Postings
Registered nurses270
Retail salespersons174
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers126
First-line supervisors of retail service workers93
Customer service representatives88
Personal care aides85
Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers83
Radiologic technologists and technicians80
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers78
Driver sales workers61
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Retail trade replaced wholesale trade in the top five regional industries by quantity of job postings for July.
  • Hiring demand based on total unique job postings increased over the month in the following industries: 57% in finance and insurance, 53% in accommodation and food services, 49% in waste management and remediation administrative support, 40% in the professional, scientific and technical services, 29% in retail trade, 29% in manufacturing and 22% in health care and social assistance. Hiring demand decreased by 6% in wholesale trade.
Figure 3.
Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, July 2025Postings
Unclassified982
Health care and social assistance739
Administrative, support waste management and remediation services553
Retail trade543
Professional, scientific and technical services383
Manufacturing306
Educational services280
Wholesale trade263
Accommodation and food services232
Construction214
Finance and insurance165
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Hardest-to-fill occupations in the eastern Idaho region for July, by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings, included coaches and scouts, personal care aides, cashiers, janitors and cleaners. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in July by occupational family were in food preparation, serving related and educational instruction. All occupations added to the hardest-to-fill jobs list in July were new, except secondary school teachers and general maintenance repair workers.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, July 2025Days to fillPostings
Coaches and scouts4240
Sales representatives of wholesale, manufacturing, technical and scientific products3832
Waiters and waitresses3829
Secondary school teachers3826
Accountants and auditors3725
Personal care aides3585
Cashiers3560
Janitors and cleaners3553
General maintenance and repair workers3548
Fast food and counter workers3540
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

  • The U.S. Department of Energy selected Idaho National Laboratory as one of four sites nationally to develop an artificial intelligence (AI) data center and energy generation projects. Source: U.S. Department of Energy
  • College of Eastern Idaho launched a new Associate of Arts in Education degree program starting fall 2025. Elementary or secondary education pathways allow for transfer into four-year teacher education programs to help fill the state’s growing need for educators. Source: College of Eastern Idaho
  • Riverbend Media Group added a new radio station in eastern Idaho, Farm County 1260 AM. An affiliate of the Western Ag Network and based in Idaho Falls, the station is being utilized to inform farmers and ranchers. The station includes country music, informational broadcasts about markets, as well as interviews and stories from academia that focus on new agricultural methods and technologies. Source: East Idaho News
  • The Idaho Travel Council awarded $1.9 million to Yellowstone Teton Territory to promote tourism marketing. Source: Idaho Travel Council
  • Yellowstone National Park hosted over 975,000 recreation visits in July 2025, a decrease of 2% from July 2024, and a 10% decrease from the record-breaking year of 2021. Year to date, the park has hosted nearly 2.7 million visitors, an increase of 1.5% from 2024, but decreased 0.1% from 2021. Source: Yellowstone National Park

Bonneville County

  • Mountain View Hospital opened two new outpatient facilities in Idaho Falls, Urology Associates and Mountain View Imaging Center. Source: Post Register
  • Chipotle Mexican Grill of Kansas, LLC has leased restaurant space in Idaho Falls to open a new location. Source: Idaho Business Review
  • A five-story, 92-unit luxury apartment complex, The Reverie at Taylors Crossing, is being constructed in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
  • An 87-room Fairfield Inn & Suites is being constructed near downtown Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
  • American Farmers Network acquired Intermountain Packing LLC, an Idaho Falls beef processing plant, bringing cattle processing, fabrication and processing in-house. Source: KIFI
  • GP Tools in Idaho Falls was featured as an international trade success story by the U.S. Department of Commerce, International Trade Administration for successful expansion and partnerships in Mexico. They are a manufacturer specializing in high-quality pneumatic riveting and insertion tools for aerospace, automotive and sheet metal applications. Source: U.S. Department of Commerce and International Trade Administration
  • British Swim School, an international franchise for year-round water safety and swim lessons, is opening in Ammon. Source: East Idaho News
  • Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center is constructing a 24-hour free-standing emergency room on the north end of Idaho Falls. The $15 million project entails a fully equipped emergency room with 10 patient exam rooms, a comprehensive lab and imaging services. Source: East Idaho News
  • The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Aurum Grove Boutique, Summit Funding Inc. and American Pacific Mortgage. 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

Butte County

  • An arcade and restaurant, Atomicade Family Fun Center, opened in Arco. Source: East Idaho News
  • A used car dealership, boutique store, coffee shop, Mexican restaurant and souvenir shop all also recently opened in Arco. Source: East Idaho News

Custer County

  • Idaho Fish and Game awarded $100,000 in grants to conservation and recreation-focused groups around the state, including Mackay High School, which receives $5,000 for aquaculture lab improvements. Source: Idaho Fish and Game
  • The Idaho Travel Council awarded a $29,000 grant to Challis Chamber of Commerce to promote tourism marketing. Source: Idaho Travel Council

Fremont County

  • Idaho Fish and Game awarded $100,000 in grants to conservation and recreation-focused groups around the state, including Henry’s Fork Foundation in Ashton, which received $20,000 for infrastructure improvements at the Chester Dam access site. Source: Idaho Fish and Game
  • Shotgun Bar now has a restaurant in Island Park along the newly completed Yale-Kilgore Road. Source: East Idaho News
  • Stanford Field Airport in St. Anthony was awarded a $355,000 state grant, which will be used for a new runway. The airport is primarily used by recreational pilots and crop-dusting aircrafts. The establishment also employs 12 people and generates an economic impact of $2.2 million, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
  • The Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce raised $15,000 for Friends of Island Park Ambulance to provide critical emergency medical services. Source: Island Park Area Chamber of Commerce

Jefferson County

  • Blue Heart Accounting opened in Rigby. Source: East Idaho News
  • Better Home Goodbyes, a mobile veterinarian providing end-of-life pet care, opened in Rigby. Source: East Idaho News
  • Rigby’s Hot Classic Nights Car Show and Drag Race raised $15,000 for Rigby Senior Citizens Center to help fund their Meals on Wheels program. The organization also donated $1,000 to the Rigby City Library and $5,000 to Central Fire District. Source: Jefferson Star

Lemhi County

  • Salmon will soon have two newly constructed campuses for Fernwaters Public Charter School through a $3.5 million loan from U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Source: Challis Messenger
  • Idaho Fish and Game awarded $100,000 in grants to conservation and recreation-focused groups around the state, including Cast Hope in Salmon, which received $9,600 for fly fishing clinics to underprivileged youth. Source: Idaho Fish and Game
  • The Idaho Travel Council awarded a $47,000 grant to Lemhi County Economic Development Association to promote tourism marketing. Source: Idaho Travel Council

Madison County

  • United Voices Rising Inc. (UVR), a new nonprofit in Rexburg, opened the UVR Thrift Shoppe. Sales fund women’s mental health treatments. Source: East Idaho News
  • Aveo Solar, a rooftop solar company, is opening in Rexburg. Wright Roofing Inc. and a marketing and brand development firm, Signal Relief, will also be housed at the same business complex. Source: East Idaho News
  • Creamy Daze, an ice cream vendor, opened at Hemming Village in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
  • Rexburg Chamber of Commerce announced groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for Hamlet Homes and Creamy Daze. Source: Rexburg Chamber of Commerce

Teton County

  • The city of Victor has approved a $150,000 grant match to begin building a skatepark at Sherman Park. Source: Teton Valley News

Eastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – July 2024 and July 2025

  • Home prices in the region’s largest populated county, Bonneville, have started to inch downward as the summer has progressed. The price decline may be attributed to a 30% greater supply over the year, with nearly 500 homes on the market. Prices have started to decline in the region’s third largest county, Jefferson, as well. Buyers taking advantage of lower home prices in the Idaho Falls and Rexburg metropolitan areas have resulted in 14% more homes being under contract than a year ago. On the other hand, median home prices have still gone up annually in the region’s most traditionally expensive counties, Fremont and Teton, by 14% and 26%, respectively.
Figure 5.
Median price soldJul-25Jul-24Change
Bonneville$463,000$476,000-2.7%
Butte$289,900$284,5001.9%
Clark$322,000$251,00028.3%
Custer$699,700$567,40023.3%
Fremont$769,000$677,30013.5%
Jefferson$525,000$565,000-7.1%
Lemhi$512,000$637,000-19.6%
Madison$465,000$429,7008.2%
Teton$942,600$749,50025.8%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics
Figure 6.
Active listings (inventory)Jul-25Jul-24Change
Bonneville48037029.7%
Butte17166.3%
Clark220.0%
Custer494216.7%
Fremont146170-14.1%
Jefferson1218345.8%
Lemhi765246.2%
Madison12110812.0%
Teton20117812.9%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 7.
Median days on marketJul-25Jul-24Change
Bonneville534420.5%
Butte795836.2%
Clark127129-1.6%
Custer5370-24.3%
Fremont5962-4.8%
Jefferson584045.0%
Lemhi866043.3%
Madison56551.8%
Teton704266.7%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 8.
Total homes pending saleJul-25Jul-24Change
Bonneville1951808.3%
Butte67-14.3%
ClarkN/AN/AN/A
Custer6520.0%
Fremont302330.4%
Jefferson433910.3%
Lemhi510-50.0%
Madison382458.3%
Teton3790-58.9%
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 Southwestern Idaho: Economic activity, August 2025

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

Regional labor market information

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

Figure 1a.
Median price sold20252024Change
Ada$549,900$547,2450.5%
Adams$459,000$640,000-28.3%
Boise$699,141$510,00037.1%
Canyon$429,000$423,4451.3%
Elmore$382,490$370,0003.4%
Gem$455,000$456,750-0.4%
Owyhee$353,950$450,000-21.3%
Payette$385,000$383,0000.5%
Valley$741,500$770,000-3.7%
Washington$335,750$314,5006.8%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1b.
Days on market20252024Change
Ada39368.3%
Adams48100-52.0%
Boise474114.6%
Canyon4146-10.9%
Elmore614052.5%
Gem464015.0%
Owyhee2349-53.1%
Payette564427.3%
Valley4256-25.0%
Washington3940-2.5%
Regional average days4449-10.2%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1c.
Inventory20252024Change
Ada2,1991,71828.0%
Adams544520.0%
Boise16511938.7%
Canyon1,2301,09512.3%
Elmore1669574.7%
Gem12910621.7%
Owyhee43414.9%
Payette130136-4.4%
Valley23017729.9%
Washington685621.4%
Regional totals4,4143,58823.0%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1d.
Total homes sold20252024Change
Ada89980811.3%
Adams58-37.5%
Boise292045.0%
Canyon453486-6.8%
Elmore3437-8.1%
Gem332250.0%
Owyhee10742.9%
Payette372927.6%
Valley2632-18.8%
Washington818-55.6%
SW sold and % change1,5341,4674.6%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 2.
Southwestern Idaho job postingsJul-24Jul-25% change# change
Unique postings9,34111,09318.8%1,752
Days posted14157.1%1
Number of employers2,0652,57724.8%512
Advertised wage$25.08$27.519.7%$2.43
Share wage advertisements51%52%2.0%1%
Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast
Figure 3.
Top occupations by unique job postings in southwestern IdahoPostings, Jul-25Postings, Jul-24Year over year % change
Registered nurses34526928.3%
Retail salespersons280289-3.1%
Customer service representatives24319822.7%
Sales representatives, wholesale, manufacturing, except technical and scientific products26819636.7%
Trailer-tractor truck drivers16710953.2%
Software developers16613027.7%
Janitors and cleaners13410330.1%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers17315015.3%
Project managers1291216.6%
Business development and sales managers101132-23.5%
Account managers and representatives988022.5%
Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast

Regional news

Ada County

  • The Treefort Music Festival reported a profit for the first time since 2019. In 2023, it moved its main headliners to Julia Davis Park and opened its own venue in downtown Boise, both of which heightened expenses and investments. This year, it experienced a 20% increase in attendance compared to 2024 while being the highest grossing festival since its inception in 2012. Source: Boise State Public Radio
  • Eagle experienced a fast-moving brush fire that caused an evacuation for a couple hours from an area of Eagle and consumed about 250 acres. The wildfire was extinguished by 27 firefighting units with the cause initially unknown. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced that Lucky Peak Reservoir started its annual drawdown on time this year, after a summer of irrigation and recreation. Last year, the drawdown started several weeks earlier to facilitate repairs on Turner Gulch boat ramp. Source: KTVB News
  • Boise State University’s Venture College is offering a free, 10-week course for entrepreneurs open to all students and community members, either virtually or in person. It provides mentorship from industry experts and seasoned executives, running from Sept. 2 to Nov. 4 this year on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Source: Idaho Business Review

Canyon County

  • Middleton School District trustees voted to place a two-year, $5 million levy on the November ballot. The funds will mainly be used toward personnel, both classified and certified, along with school resource officers and security staff following a recent contract approval. This is in addition to an approved supplemental levy in 2023 for two years of $3 million funding. The voters have not approved a bond since 2008 as it requires a super majority vote versus the majority vote needed for a supplemental levy. Source: Idaho Education News
  • The city of Nampa is considering turning over the Ford Idaho Center to the College of Western Idaho. The city feels this conveyance will improve the finances, management and maintaintenance of the facility that is home to concerts, rodeos, public school athletics and graduations. The center has accrued a deficit of $3.4 million from 2019 to 2023 and it has been estimated that deferred maintenance is around $25 million. The public have voiced varying opinions on the potential conveyance with some suggesting building a parking facility on owned adjacent land then developing the remainder of the area around the facility. Source: Idaho Press
  • The city of Caldwell annexed Farmway Village allowing it to help with adding more affordable housing options to the in-demand area that provides housing for some of Canyon County’s farm laborers. In the summer, the population ratchets up to 1,400 people. Caldwell’s Urban Renewal District is the entity that will now invest in more units for these workers now that the annexation is complete. Source: KTVB News 
  • The University of Idaho Parma Research and Extension Center hosted the annual crop-research field day. Tours, demonstrations of drone services including the release of beneficial arthropods and displays of bee hotels and pollinator mixes, were part of the agenda. Attendance was free with certified crop advisor credits available including Idaho and Oregon pesticide applications and pest management credits. Source: Capital Press

Gem County

  • Valor Health celebrated its 10-year anniversary with a community event featuring free food, entertainment and giveaways. The hospital was previously known as Walter Knox Memorial Hospital, changing names in 2015. It works collaboratively with St. Alphonsus Health System. It is in the middle of a construction project, the first in 60 years, that will add a new urgent care clinic, along with offering family and pediatric specialties, x-ray services and blood draws. The 6,000 square feet facility is scheduled to open later this year. Source: Idaho Press

Owyhee County

  • Construction started on a commercial development in Homedale. The anchor store will be D&B Supply with 59,000 square feet. It will fill nine of the 15 acres with O’Reilly Auto Parts, McDonald’s and an Idaho Central Credit Union branch completing the site. D&B is expected to open in the fall of 2026. Source: Owyhee Avalanche

Valley County

  • The Rock Fire started from lightning near Donnelly’s Tamarack Resort and within a week had grown to 2,700 acres with zero containment. There were 700 personnel fighting the fire with six helicopters and 26 engines. Nearby residents received evacuation notices and local roads, campgrounds and trails were closed the week it started. Residents further away have been notified to be ready to evacuate and a community meeting was held at the Donnelly Rural Fire Protection District’s office. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
  • The Fourth Judicial District Court decided against a group of short-term rental owners that filed suit to remove the city’s rules regarding occupancy and noise. The complaint said that the rules cost them more than $100,000 per year in lost revenue and the improvements triggered were cost prohibitive. The owners failed to prove to the court that the loss was to the level stated in the case but did determine that the noise regulations were unreasonable. Source: The Star-News
  • In January 2026, Alaska Airlines will add a ninth flight between Boise and California flying nonstop into the Ontario International Airport. This is after resumption of its direct flight to Bozeman from Boise in October. At the halfway point in 2025, Boise’s airport is 8% ahead of passengers in the first half of 2024. The airport just had its busiest June on record with 480,000 travelers. Source: Idaho Statesman

Openings

  • Clarity Credit Union hosted a ribbon cutting in Homedale. Source: Owyhee Avalanche
  • The city of Boise hosted a ribbon cutting for its recently constructed, affordable apartment complex in downtown Boise. The 102 units were created for those earning 30-80% of the area median income or $108,800 annually for a family of four. The complex provides an array of options including studios, one-bedrooms, two-bedrooms and three-bedroom units. On-site child care options from Boise Language Schools and a community garden are part of the project. The Boise Housing Land Trust requires 10% of the units for those transitioning from homeless situations. The secretary for the U.S. Housing and Urban Development participated in the celebration alongside Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo, the mayor of Boise and a city council person. Source: KTVB News
Apartment complex in Boise
The apartment complex that hosted a ribbon cutting. The complex has 102 units.
  • Big Daddy’s BBQ is opening its second restaurant in the Treasure Valley, this time in Boise. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Mai Thai temporarily moved to Meridian when its long-time downtown Boise location in the Union Block Building was condemned due to structural concerns. The restaurant has returned to Boise operating out of a different ‘ghost’ kitchen defined as a restaurant without seating. It offers delivery, pick-up or catering until it finds a permanent home. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • St. Luke’s Health System opened a 330,000 square foot warehouse in Meridian that integrates pharmacy and supply chain operations. The facility has taken nearly 10 years to move from concept to execution, allowing the large health care provider to now take advantage of volume discounts and be flexible regarding venders. There is also secure storage areas dedicated to life-saving and high-risk medications. It is named the Consolidated Services Center and personnel are touring the facility which is the size of six football fields. Source: Idaho News 6
  • Fratelli Deli is opening its sandwich shop in the former Poke Bowl in Meridian. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Bombay Grill expanded from its 20-year-old Boise east Indian restaurant, opening a Meridian site complete with a liquor license. This second restaurant started with take-out service only, moving to a full-service operation come September. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • New Plymouth High School held a ribbon cutting for its new agriculture building that is 9,600 square feet and offers four times as much space as the outmoded building. It has a large shop, storage room and two classrooms along with a new meat cutting facility. Source: Idaho Farm Bureau magazine
  • Kaixo Corner park opened with a ribbon cutting and live music. It is located across from the Basque Block in downtown Boise. Its completion coincided with the Jaialdi Basque Festival that welcomed visitors from near and some as far as South American countries that were recipients of the diaspora that occurred when Spain’s Franco dissolved the Basque Country. Kaixo means ‘hello’ in Basque and the park offers a welcoming spot with plenty of built-in seating and pillars with different languages and cultural significance. Source: Idaho News 6 
  • Boise State University has a new six-story housing complex available for its first-year students named Syringa Hall after Idaho’s state flower. It offers a central location with 450 beds available. Source: Boise State University website, https://www.boisestate.edu/housing/housing-options/syringa-hall/

Closures

  • Spitfire Craft Pizza & Pints closed its Boise restaurant after seven years of making Detroit style pies. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Cupbop, a quick-service Korean BBQ restaurant in downtown Boise, is closed. It is unclear whether this is permanent or temporary. There are two other franchises still operating in the Treasure Valley. 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.

Around South Central Idaho: Economic activity, August 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, Jul-25Postings, Jul-24
Registered nurses8946
Retail salespersons8156
Heavy and tractor-trailer drivers7547
Laborers. freight, stock, material movers and hand5414
Customer service representatives4721
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers4726
Driver and sales workers 3310
Cashiers3124
Maintenance, repair workers and general3119
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners3110
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 2
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in south central IdahoPostings, Jul-25Postings, Jul-24
Retail trade296187
Health care and social assistance255156
Manufacturing245140
Finance and insurance14530
Professional, scientific and technical services11516
Accommodation and food services9656
Wholesale trade9446
Administrative support, waste management and remediation services6823
Construction6735
Other services (except public administration)6026
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 3
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in south central IdahoDays to fill, Jul-25Days to fill, Jul-24
Market research analysts and marketing specialists2821
Civil engineers28N/A
Tire repairers and changers28N/A
Transportation, storage and distribution managers27N/A
Marriage and family therapists27N/A
Securities, commodities and financial services sales agents26N/A
Sales representatives of services, except advertising, insurance, financial services and travel2316
Financial and investment analysts23N/A
Producers and directors2215
First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers2215
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Blaine County

  • Mountain Rides has finished construction on its $5.6 million, 6,581 square-foot bus depot expansion in Bellevue. Mountain Rides plans to have a fleet of fully electric busses by Jan. 15, 2026. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
  • Alaska Airlines announced a direct flight from San Diego to Hailey beginning Dec. 18, 2025 through March 29, 2026. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
  • Air St. Luke’s Medical Transport has expanded its service to St. Luke’s Wood River Valley Medical Center. This expansion will reduce air transportation times, as helicopters coming from the Magic Valley to Blaine County can take 30 to 40 minutes. Source: KMVT

Minidoka County

  • Minico High School has completed its new agriculture building. The new building will expand the school’s Career and Technical Education programs. Programs like fabrication, fish and wildlife, and animal science will be taught in the new agriculture building. 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, August 2025

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

Regional labor market information

Figure 1.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in north central IdahoPostings, Jul-25Postings, Jul-24
Registered nurses11584
Retail salespersons88105
Home health and personal care aides8137
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers5854
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers5228
Customer service representatives4731
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners4222
Fast food and counter workers4017
Medical and health service managers3940
Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical and executive3319
Source: Idaho Department of LaborP – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Figure 2.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in north central IdahoPostings,
Jul-25
Postings,
Jul-24
Home health and social assistance431377
Retail trade292246
Educational services193323
Accommodation and food services15651
Finance and insurance117131
Manufacturing95112
Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services7019
Transportation and warehousing6930
Wholesale trade6444
Professional, scientific and technical services5943
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 3.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in north central IdahoDays to fill, Jul-25Days to fill, Jul-24
General and operations managers5511
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers5138
Driver and sales workers4519
Nursing assistants4235
Fast food and counter workers4319
Coaches and scouts4134
Stockers and order fillers3823
Retail salespersons3824
Farmworkers, laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse37N/A
Customer service representatives3732
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Nez Perce County

  • The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced the rehabilitation work on Lewiston’s Clearwater Memorial Bridge won a western regional America’s Transportation Award for its use of robotic arms to tie rebar in the bridge-deck assembly. Source: ITD
  • Cascade Plastics, owned by Flex Labs out of St. Paul, Minnesota, has announced plans to construct a plastic injection molding manufacturing facility in Lewiston. Construction of the $6.5 million, 36,000 square foot facility is expected to be completed in early 2026 and may employ 30 workers in Lewiston. Cascade Plastics currently supplies plastic bullet packaging trays to The Kinetic Group (aka CCI/Speer). Source: Lewiston Tribune

Idaho County

  • Idaho County Commissioners accepted a $2.5 million grant through the Idaho Transportation Department’s Division of Aeronautics for airport apron repair. Source: Idaho County Free Press
  • Summerville’s Bar and Café in Riggins experienced an electrical basement fire in mid-August and has temporarily closed. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

  • The University of Idaho will begin offering the state’s first Bachelor of Science degree in geological engineering. Students can complete all four years at the University of Idaho campus in Moscow or can attend the first two years at North Idaho College and then transfer to University of Idaho for the remaining two years. Source: The Argonaut
    • Geological engineers identify natural resources in the earth’s crust such as minerals, oil and gas. Engineers are also likely to work in mines, oil and gas fields, or environmental consulting firms. There are currently 11 U.S. postsecondary geological engineering programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics shows approximately 100 mining and geological engineers statewide with median wages of $50 an hour.
  • The University of Idaho was awarded a $1.4 million wildfire science grant from the National Science Foundation. The grant award will fund nine doctorate level researchers. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • The City of Moscow has started its Sidewalk Program Project to replace the existing pedestrian ramps with new ADA compliant ramps and improve accessibility along select city streets. The project began in mid-August and is expected to be completed by the end of October 2025. Source: City of Moscow

Clearwater County

  • Clearwater County was issued an investment grade Biofuel Development Opportunity Zone ‘A’ rating for its development potential to build new biofuel plants. These are areas that are determined to have a high chance of success in drawing investment and creating jobs. Clearwater County retains Idaho’s highest producing timberlands and currently has a 42-acre vacant lumber mill site available three miles east of Orofino. Other potential sites have been identified at a former truss manufacturing site in Weippe and vacant lots in Pierce. Source: Clearwater Tribune and bdozone.org

Lewis County

  • Kamiah Online, a K-8 online distance education program, has been implemented by the Kamiah School District over the past year. It will be a separate entity within the school district, but students will be counted in total enrollment numbers. Source: Idaho County Free Press
  • Star Cedar Mill in Kamiah experienced a hopper fire in mid-August but was contained and had no further damage. Source: Daily Fly

Openings

  • Weber Pediatrics, Lewiston
  • Courtyard by Marriott hotel, Lewiston
  • The Hideout sports bar, Lewiston
  • OWLS Idaho Microschool, Lewiston
  • Premier Autoworks, Lewiston
  • Bizzy Bees Daycare and Preschool, Lewiston
  • Hunter Technical Solutions, Orofino

Closings

  • An American Bar, Cottonwood
  • Branch and Vines retail store, Orofino
  • Body Counsel by Loree Therapeutic Massage, Orofino
  • Red Cross Blood Donation Center, Lewiston
  • Skalicky’s Sweet Sensations Bakery retail store, Lewiston
  • Little Joe’s Wee Care Center, 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.

Around Northern Idaho: Economic activity, August 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • The labor market in northern Idaho remained largely unchanged in July 2025, with little movement in key indicators. Labor demand increased marginally, with 2,430 unique job postings in July compared to 2,324 in June. The unemployment rate increased slightly from 4.7% to 4.8%, and the July rate for the region is identical to the 4.8% rate in July of last year. Although total employment in the region decreased slightly from June to July, all the region’s labor force statistics remain closely in line with July 2024.
Figure 1.
Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted dataJul-25 (P)Jun-25 (R)Jul-24 (B)
Civilian labor force130,143130,702129,703
Total employment123,882124,519123,413
Unemployment6,2616,1836,290
% of labor force unemployed4.8%4.7%4.8%
Source: Idaho Department of LaborP – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern IdahoPostings,
Jul-25
Postings,
Jul-24
Home health and personal care aides10580
Retail salespersons10578
Registered nurses10179
Fast food and counter workers4233
Heavy and tractor trailer truck drivers4132
Customer service representatives3844
Medical and health service managers3623
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers3623
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners3630
Cashiers3639
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 3.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in northern IdahoPostings, Jul-25Postings, Jul-24
Health care and social assistance369309
Retail trade294272
Administrative and support services246176
Accommodation and food services156116
Professional, scientific and technical services13175
Manufacturing9469
Wholesale trade8183
Other services8153
Finance and insurance7979
Public administration6823
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern IdahoMedian duration, Jul-25Median duration, Jul-24
Obstetricians and gynecologists28N/A
Tire repairers and changers27N/A
Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines26N/A
First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers25N/A
Sales and related workers, all other24N/A
Pest control workers24N/A
Transportation inspectors23N/A
Facilities managers22N/A
Respiratory therapists22N/A
Craft artists2110
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Bonner County

  • The ongoing Sunset Fire northeast of Athol has burned more than 3,200 acres. Due to the fire, the U.S. Forest Service announced a closure order for the Idaho Panhandle National Forests. Source: KHQ News

Kootenai County

  • The North Idaho State Fair opened Aug. 15 for its annual 10-day run at the Kootenai County fairgrounds. The 2025 theme was “Keeping Tradition Alive,” and the fair featured hundreds of attractions and vendors. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Coeur d’Alene City Council has proposed a $152.6 million budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year which includes a 3% property tax increase, which will generate $835,702 in additional revenue. The city council held public hearings concerning the proposed budget in August. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Home prices edged further upward in Kootenai County according to the latest market snapshot from Coeur d’Alene Regional Realtors. The median home price increased to $545,000, which was a 3.3% increase year over year. Active listings and single-family home sales in Kootenai County have both increased slightly year over year, while average days on market has declined slightly. Source: Journal of Business
  • Corhaven Properties announced plans to develop an additional retail building in the new shopping center at Highway 41 and Poleline in Post Falls. The new phase of the development will include four retail units of up to 1,800 square feet each. The new shopping center currently has a Grocery Outlet and a 7-Eleven with a McDonald’s scheduled to open in 2026. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Openings

  • Cone Crossing (Rathdrum)
  • Dickey’s Barbeque Pit (Post Falls)
  • Mountain Paw Pet Supply (Post Falls)
  • Bird and Lily Boutique (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.