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.
| Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted data | Jul-25 (P) | Jun-25 (R) | Jul-24 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 130,143 | 130,702 | 129,703 |
| Total employment | 123,882 | 124,519 | 123,413 |
| Unemployment | 6,261 | 6,183 | 6,290 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 4.8% | 4.7% | 4.8% |
| Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked |
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern Idaho | Postings, Jul-25 | Postings, Jul-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Home health and personal care aides | 105 | 80 |
| Retail salespersons | 105 | 78 |
| Registered nurses | 101 | 79 |
| Fast food and counter workers | 42 | 33 |
| Heavy and tractor trailer truck drivers | 41 | 32 |
| Customer service representatives | 38 | 44 |
| Medical and health service managers | 36 | 23 |
| Merchandise displayers and window trimmers | 36 | 23 |
| Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners | 36 | 30 |
| Cashiers | 36 | 39 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 industries by unique job postings in northern Idaho | Postings, Jul-25 | Postings, Jul-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 369 | 309 |
| Retail trade | 294 | 272 |
| Administrative and support services | 246 | 176 |
| Accommodation and food services | 156 | 116 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 131 | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 94 | 69 |
| Wholesale trade | 81 | 83 |
| Other services | 81 | 53 |
| Finance and insurance | 79 | 79 |
| Public administration | 68 | 23 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast |
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern Idaho | Median duration, Jul-25 | Median duration, Jul-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Obstetricians and gynecologists | 28 | N/A |
| Tire repairers and changers | 27 | N/A |
| Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines | 26 | N/A |
| First-line supervisors of non-retail sales workers | 25 | N/A |
| Sales and related workers, all other | 24 | N/A |
| Pest control workers | 24 | N/A |
| Transportation inspectors | 23 | N/A |
| Facilities managers | 22 | N/A |
| Respiratory therapists | 22 | N/A |
| Craft artists | 21 | 10 |
| 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.
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