Author: Jan Roeser
Region labor market information
Southwestern Idaho’s single-family home sales – September 2023 and 2024
| Median price sold | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | $534,900 | $539,900 | -0.9% |
| Adams | $575,000 | $425,000 | 35.3% |
| Boise | $545,000 | $510,000 | 6.9% |
| Canyon | $423,896 | $415,495 | 2.0% |
| Elmore | $387,990 | $345,000 | 12.5% |
| Gem | $414,269 | $435,000 | -4.8% |
| Owyhee | $386,000 | $350,000 | 10.3% |
| Payette | $449,975 | $359,900 | 25.0% |
| Valley | $625,000 | $735,000 | -15.0% |
| Washington | $294,288 | $348,000 | -15.4% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
| Days on market | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 43 | 35 | 22.9% |
| Adams | 29 | 31 | -6.5% |
| Boise | 57 | 40 | 42.5% |
| Canyon | 52 | 33 | 57.6% |
| Elmore | 30 | 36 | -16.7% |
| Gem | 47 | 75 | -37.3% |
| Owyhee | 107 | 47 | 127.7% |
| Payette | 70 | 31 | 125.8% |
| Valley | 50 | 47 | 6.4% |
| Washington | 41 | 46 | -10.9% |
| Regional average days | 53 | 42 | 24.9% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
| Inventory | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 1,729 | 1,563 | 10.6% |
| Adams | 38 | 27 | 40.7% |
| Boise | 127 | 88 | 44.3% |
| Canyon | 1,118 | 845 | 32.3% |
| Elmore | 113 | 85 | 32.9% |
| Gem | 107 | 97 | 10.3% |
| Owyhee | 38 | 33 | 15.2% |
| Payette | 144 | 101 | 42.6% |
| Valley | 177 | 142 | 24.6% |
| Washington | 48 | 40 | 20.0% |
| Regional totals | 3,639 | 3,021 | 20.5% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
| Total homes sold | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 716 | 582 | 23.0% |
| Adams | 5 | 9 | -44.4% |
| Boise | 15 | 19 | -21.1% |
| Canyon | 422 | 406 | 3.9% |
| Elmore | 33 | 29 | 13.8% |
| Gem | 38 | 21 | 81.0% |
| Owyhee | 13 | 5 | 160.0% |
| Payette | 32 | 35 | -8.6% |
| Valley | 31 | 27 | 14.8% |
| Washington | 17 | 7 | 142.9% |
| SW sold and % change | 1,322 | 1,140 | 16.0% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Figure 2. Southwestern Idaho job postings
| Sep-23 | Sep-24 | % change | # change | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unique postings | 10,174 | 9,554 | -6.1% | -620 |
| Days posted | 10 | 13 | 30.0% | 3 |
| # of employers | 2,813 | 2,587 | -8.0% | -226 |
| Advertised wage | $21.72 | $26.03 | 19.8% | $4.31 |
| Share with wage advertisements | 42% | 51% | 21.4% | 9% |
| Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast | ||||
Figure 3.
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southwestern Idaho | Postings, Sep-24 | Postings, Sep-23 | Year over year % change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail salespersons | 296 | 335 | -11.6% |
| Registered nurses | 264 | 422 | -37.4% |
| Customer service representatives | 204 | 220 | -7.3% |
| Computer occupations, all other | 208 | 210 | -1.0% |
| Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products | 185 | 160 | 15.6% |
| Software developers | 179 | 158 | 13.3% |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 174 | 164 | 6.1% |
| Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand | 113 | 144 | -21.5% |
| Project management specialists | 134 | 95 | 41.1% |
| Fast food and counter workers | 134 | 98 | 36.7% |
| Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast | |||
Ada County
- The University of Idaho opened a new research and outreach program funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The Western Rural Development Center (WRDC), originally affiliated with Utah State University, was started through Congress’ passage of the Rural Development Act of 1972 and began operation under the University of Idaho in September. The center’s goal is to link public universities’ science-based research and educational outreach with communities, local decision-makers, entrepreneurs, families, farmers and ranchers to address challenges in rural areas. The program’s director is located at the university’s Boise offices in the Idaho Water Center. The WRDC collaborates with land-grant institutions across 13 western states, American Samoa, Guam, Micronesia and Northern Marianas. There are three other centers located across the nation including the Northeast Regional Center for Rural Development at Penn State University, the Southern Rural Development Center at Mississippi State University and the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development at Purdue University. Source: Emmett Messenger Index
- The Valley Fire started in the southeastern foothills of Boise, spreading to Boise County, threatening its subdivisions and cabins. However, no structures were burned — mainly extremely dry grasses and scrub brush on adjacent foothills. East Jr. High School and Riverstone International School closed for the day, anticipating a potential risk of smoke while first responders closed the main thoroughfare approaching the schools. The fire is currently 90% contained after burning 9,900 acres for two weeks (15 update) and has about 200 firefighters actively working on containment. It has been determined by the Idaho Department of Lands that a power pole cross arm organically broke allowing a live wire to spark the dry grasses. It has not been determined whether Idaho Power will be held financially responsible for the associated costs. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
- Ada County Commissioners granted a variance to the Idaho Shakespeare Festival staff to improve its upper seating area. The plays will no longer offer hillside seating, but rather a tiered seating on the slopped hillside area with concrete paths, as well as structures to shield the sun from actors’ eyes. Additional Americans with Disabilities Act approved seating will also be added during the renovation. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Trustees at Boise, Kuna and West Ada School Districts approved the cancelation of classes on election day, Nov. 5. Boise School District’s special session was addressing school security issues when the safety of both students and voters arose. Kuna School District anticipates high voter participation, making the logistics more challenging. Voting precincts are located at public schools throughout the Treasure Valley. This is the first time school districts have directed parents to keep students at home on election day. Source: Idaho News 6, Idaho Education News
Canyon County
- Lake Lowell is abloom with cyanobacteria from which toxins can harm, or in some cases kill, people, pets and livestock. This is a natural and seasonal occurrence in the late summer and fall across Idaho’s reservoirs. It impacts recreation as fish can carry the toxins in its fat, skin and internal organs. Swimming and water skiing should be avoided, as drinking or any other type of contact with the water can generate symptoms. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
- Marlay Partners LLC. purchased one of the three buildings comprising the Madison Logistics Center in Nampa. The 115,008 square-foot building was sold for $21 million and is fully leased to UTZ Quality Foods and Carroll’s. The other two buildings were completed in January 2023 on a 20-acre site and remain listed for sale. Source: Idaho Business Review
Elmore County
- Ground was broken by state officials, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and leadership at the Mountain Home Air Force Base (MHAFB) on a new water treatment facility. The 28,000 square foot treatment plant will provide a dedicated water source for airman and officers living and working at MHAFB. The base was built 81 years ago, drawing water from the Mountain Home Plateau Aquifer; however, water levels have declined over the years. Source: Mountain Home Air Force Base
Gem County
- Valor Health broke ground on a new urgent care facility for Emmett, particularly accessible for those residents living outside city limits. It has been in the works since 2017 and upon completion, will be called Valor Health Center. The site is in a business park on state highway 16 that includes the Emmett District of the Boise National Forest, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regional offices, a new Grocery Outlet, currently under construction, and the Payette River Technical Academy (PR2TA), an alternative career technical education campus distinct from Emmett High. Primary care will continue at the existing Valor Health campus with enhanced capacity for myriad services at both locations. Source: Idaho Press
Valley County
- The Ponderosa Center is a facility concept that would fill the final parcel of undeveloped ground between McCall’s marina and Hotel McCall. The space could be used for performances and community gathering events. It would be large enough to accommodate 400 people. The stage and seating will be retractable transforming into a conference area with tables or booths. The McCall Chamber of Commerce plans to be a tenant, bringing its visitor’s center in tow. Another partnership is the McCall Ski Heritage Foundation which has a rich history in the area. The land is currently just a vacant gravel lot. The capital campaign is underway with the eventual goal of $25 million. The first year of the campaign has a goal of $5 million. The hope is that the project can break ground by 2026. Source: Boise State Public Radio
Openings
- Amazon hosted a ribbon cutting at its newest facility in Nampa. The facility covers four acres and is designed to complete orders in a fast turnaround, claiming it is possible to receive a package within a couple hours of ordering. The facility is designed to process 20,000 orders daily. Operations are staffed by 400 workers with room for future hiring of warehouse workers and robotic programmers and maintenance. At the ribbon cutting, Amazon presented a $4,000 check to DonorsChoose, a nonprofit that provides funding for classroom projects in Idaho schools. Over the last 10 years, Amazon reported spending over $2 billion in Idaho while creating 4,000 jobs. The facility’s automation not only heightens efficiency, but it also ensures workers generally experience less injuries on the job. Source: Idaho Press
- A new sandwich shop opened in Boise offering a variety of sandwiches and salads. It is in the former Valere Spa space. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Blaze Pizza will open its second Meridian restaurant with three others throughout the Treasure Valley. The franchise chain has more than 300 locations nationally offering unlimited fresh topping on its custom pizzas. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Power Engineers was purchased by WSP Global headquartered in Montreal, Canada. The company has more than 500 employees working in Boise, although it is based out of Hailey. The company has been employee owned since 1998 and all 900 employee shareholders approved the $1.78 billion deal. Power has about 4,000 employees spread across the 50 offices in North America with 680 in Idaho. The acquisition is not expected to cause any layoffs, and the company will continue to operate under the Power Engineer branding, for the time being. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Care House Partnerships has moved into its newly constructed, 4,500 square foot food bank located in the Nampa First Church of the Nazarene’s parking lot. The nonprofit organization serves about 300 households, which equates to feeding more than 1,200 people. Source: KTVB News
- El Tesoro’s Tortas and Tacos opened in the former Senor Fresh Mexican Eatery. It had operated for 29 years in the same Boise location, closing with the owner’s retirement. Source: Idaho Statesman
- The Phillip E. Batt Education Building, a 6,000 square foot two-story building, was completed with a formal unveiling hosted by the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights. The Wassmuth Center was founded in northern Idaho in 1996. In 2002, the Anne Frank Memorial opened to the public, establishing the Boise campus which was expanded to include this new $6.5 million building. It is named after Idaho’s governor from 1995-1999, who was known for his advocacy efforts on behalf of farmworkers and the LGBTQ community. Source: Idaho Press
Closures
- Chicago Connection in Eagle closed, with remaining locations open in Nampa, Meridian and Boise. Source: Idaho Statesman
- House of Western announced its closure citing a lack of business. The restaurant opened in 2021 as Western Proper and just last summer split its 10,500 square foot space into three concepts: fine dining, bistro and bar, and the back space housed a mini-bowling and arcade games area with a sports pub menu. Prior to 2021, Spaghetti Factory was a tenant for nine years. Its brewery, Western Collective, in Garden City is thriving and will continue operations. Source: Idaho Statesman
- Bistro d’Helene, a French restaurant located in Boise’s North End closed its doors after operating for about a year. Its sister restaurant, Apericena, in Hyde Park also closed after two years. Source: Idaho Statesman
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Region
Southwestern Idaho’s single-family home sales – August 2023 and 2024
| Median price sold | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | $536,655 | $520,000 | 3.2% |
| Adams | $371,000 | $459,999 | -19.3% |
| Boise | $390,000 | $440,000 | -11.4% |
| Canyon | $410,384 | $405,000 | 1.3% |
| Elmore | $379,990 | $330,000 | 15.1% |
| Gem | $456,750 | $519,000 | -12.0% |
| Owyhee | $390,000 | $363,000 | 7.4% |
| Payette | $360,000 | $365,164 | -1.4% |
| Valley | $632,500 | $730,000 | -13.4% |
| Washington | $334,489 | $359,000 | -6.8% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
| Days on market | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 39 | 34 | 14.7% |
| Adams | 122 | 80 | 52.5% |
| Boise | 73 | 54 | 35.2% |
| Canyon | 50 | 32 | 56.3% |
| Elmore | 73 | 39 | 87.2% |
| Gem | 40 | 62 | -35.5% |
| Owyhee | 51 | 39 | 30.8% |
| Payette | 41 | 60 | -31.7% |
| Valley | 62 | 67 | -7.5% |
| Washington | 68 | 44 | 54.5% |
| Regional average days | 62 | 51 | 21.1% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Region
Figure 1a.
| Median price sold | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | $545,000 | $542,450 | 0.5% |
| Adams | $640,000 | $825,000 | -22.4% |
| Boise | $510,000 | $712,500 | -28.4% |
| Canyon | $424,900 | $404,990 | 4.9% |
| Elmore | $373,995 | $355,000 | 5.4% |
| Gem | $456,750 | $519,000 | -12.0% |
| Owyhee | $392,450 | $475,000 | -17.4% |
| Payette | $383,000 | $387,000 | -1.0% |
| Valley | $770,000 | $721,500 | 6.7% |
| Washington | $314,500 | $318,540 | -1.3% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Figure 1b.
| Days on market | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 36 | 33 | 9.1% |
| Adams | 100 | 38 | 163.2% |
| Boise | 41 | 52 | -21.2% |
| Canyon | 46 | 42 | 9.5% |
| Elmore | 41 | 35 | 17.1% |
| Gem | 40 | 62 | -35.5% |
| Owyhee | 42 | 83 | -49.4% |
| Payette | 44 | 66 | -33.3% |
| Valley | 56 | 42 | 33.3% |
| Washington | 40 | 70 | -42.9% |
| Regional average days | 49 | 52 | -7.1% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Continue reading “Around Southwestern Idaho: Economic activity, August 2024”