Author: Ryan Whitesides
Regional labor market information
Labor force estimates in Figure 1 for September 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics show total employment increasing, but unemployment decreasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, September’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants remaining unchanged, with 493 more employed people and 133 fewer unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region decreased to 3.0%, 0.4 percentage points higher than September 2023.
| Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data | Sep-24 (P) | Aug-24 (P) | Sep-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 132,732 | 132,372 | 129,691 |
| Total employment | 128,708 | 128,215 | 126,285 |
| Unemployment | 4,024 | 4,157 | 3,406 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.0 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
| P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked Source: Idaho Department of Labor |
|||
Considering Figure 2, there were an estimated 1,294 unique job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for September 2024, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (Note, this is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) Postings decreased 11% from 1,457 the prior month and dropped 2% from 1,319 year-over-year. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers were the top occupation of unique (deduplicated) job postings in the region this month. Secretaries, administrative assistants and customer service representatives were new to the top five, while construction laborers, cashiers, hand laborers and freight, stock and material mover and general and operations managers were new to the top 10. Employer hiring demand from a job posting perspective increased 31% for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, 21% for retail salespersons, 11% for customer service representatives and 25% for secretaries and administrative assistants. Conversely, job postings decreased 32% for retail sales supervisors.
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, September 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 75 |
| Registered nurses | 61 |
| Retail salespersons | 53 |
| Customer service representatives | 28 |
| Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical and executive | 24 |
| Construction laborers | 24 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 21 |
| Cashiers | 17 |
| Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers | 17 |
| General and operations managers | 16 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
Figure 3 shows professional, scientific and technical services remained at the top of eastern region’s rankings for industries by unique job postings in September. However, waste management and remediation services replaced education services in the top five this month. Industry hiring demand from a job posting perspective increased 64% in transportation and warehousing, 12% in health care and social assistance, 20% in professional, scientific and technical services, 35% in manufacturing, 30% in public administration, 43% in accommodation and food services and 40% in construction. Conversely, job postings decreased 4% over the month in retail trade, 8% in education services, and 22% in finance and insurance industries.
| Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, September 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 224 |
| Health care and social assistance | 168 |
| Retail Trade | 144 |
| Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services | 102 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
| Wholesale trade | 76 |
| Construction | 62 |
| Educational services | 57 |
| Public administration | 50 |
| Accommodation and food services | 42 |
| Finance and insurance | 41 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 33 |
| Other services | 26 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
As indicated in Figure 4, September data from The Conference Board denotes the hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, in terms of combination of time to fill (median job posting duration) and multiple unique job postings. These included mechanical engineers, general and operations managers, registered nurses, heavy truck drivers and retail sales supervisors. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in September by occupational family were management, transportation and material moving and health care support. All occupations were new to the hardest-to-fill jobs list this month.
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, September 2024 | Days to fill | Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical engineers | 27 | 9 |
| Computer systems engineers or architects | 27 | 7 |
| General and operations managers | 20 | 16 |
| Registered nurses | 19 | 61 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 18 | 75 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 17 | 16 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 16 | 21 |
| Underground mining loading and moving machine operators | 16 | 7 |
| First-line supervisors of office and administrative workers | 14 | 8 |
| Sales representatives of wholesale and manufacturing | 12 | 9 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
Regional news
- The College of Eastern Idaho opened their new Workforce Training Professional Development Center offering education in many trades, such as welding and crane operation. Additionally, a Peace Officer Standards and Training program was also established. The college is a member of the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor, the only nuclear designated technology hub in the nation. Source: East Idaho News
- U.S. Department of Agriculture and Idaho officials met with their Japanese counterparts in Idaho Falls for a Plant Health Bilateral Meeting to promote agricultural trade between the U.S. and foreign countries. The main objective of the meeting was to negotiate with Japan to begin importation of fresh Idaho potatoes. Trade efforts have been ongoing for 30 years. Idaho officials, including Gov. Brad Little, will travel to Japan and Taiwan in November for a trade mission. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
- Work is nearly complete on the first phase of the Teton Pass landslide repair. Crews are preparing the detour to carry traffic through the winter. The Wyoming Department of Transportation is not planning long-term closures of the pass unless necessitated by weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Due to supply chain constraints and unpredictable weather from Teton Pass’ high elevations, project work will likely take place through spring 2025. Source: KIFI
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport will now have a larger Delta Air Lines aircraft to Salt Lake City International Airport. It offers up to 109 seats rather than regional 76-passenger jets. Source: East Idaho News
Bonneville County
- Cannon Skate Shop opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Broulim’s Fresh Foods is building its 12th grocery store at a new commercial development, Riviera Park, in Ammon. Source: Mountain West Commercial Real Estate
- Eastern Idaho’s first autism clinic, Opal Autism Center, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Goldenwest Credit Union opened a new branch in Idaho Falls. Source: Greater Idaho Chamber of Commerce
- Sancho Taco opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
- The US Bank branch in downtown Idaho Falls is closing. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- The Idaho Community Foundation awarded grants to:
- College of Eastern Idaho Foundation Inc. – received $4,000 to support the Center for New Directions.
- Community Food Basket Idaho Falls – received $12,000 for health and wellness programs.
- Development Workshop Inc. – received $3,941 for community benefit programs.
- Domestic Violence Intervention Center – received $12,000 for educational and economic opportunities.
- Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls Inc. – received $5,000 for housing stability efforts.
- Idaho Falls Arts Council Inc. – received $3,000 to support arts and culture.
- Idaho Falls Rescue Mission – received $5,000 for housing stability.
- Museum of Idaho – received $3,000 to support arts and culture.
- Promise Ridge Inc. – received $5,000 for housing stability efforts.
- Salvation Army Idaho Falls Corps – received $4,000 for housing stability.
Source: Post Register
- Bonneville County Courthouse is renovating the vacated police department space for a new jury courtroom, payment offices and office spaces for judges and clerks. The estimated cost is $2.2 million with expected completion by February 2025. Source: Post Register
- The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Salon H. Davis, Tad Jenkins Auto Group, Goldenwest Credit Union, Opal Autism Center, Infusion Specialists, Century 21 High Desert Realty, Avanti Body, Sancho Taco and Westmark Credit Union Member Solutions Center. These establishments have either opened their doors within the past six months, moved to a new location due to expansion, or remodeled or amplified their current location. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
Butte County
- The National Park Service and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes held a special event and ceremony to dedicate the new Craters of the Moon Trail Interpretive Waysides at Devil’s Orchard Nature Trail. Source: KIFI
Custer County
- Due to wildfires, the city of Stanley option tax revenues from tourism decreased about 24% in August and estimates September’s revenue loss will be about the same. The revenue losses to the businesses themselves were estimated at $1.5 million, not including option tax revenues. The Small Business Administration and the governor’s office have agreed to declare Economic Injury Disaster in Custer County, which opens the availability of Small Business Administration disaster loans to local businesses. Source: Boise State Public Radio
- The Wapiti Fire between Lowman and Stanley has burned 128,000 acres and is 85% contained. Nearly 400 personnel were working on the fire. The Idaho Transportation Department continues replacing damaged infrastructure and signage along with removing trees along the highway. Source: KIFI
- The Red Rock Fire near Challis temporarily stranded 45 firefighters after destroying a bridge and numerous structures in the area. The fire has grown to 74,000 acres at 19% containment with 564 personnel. People living in the area have been evacuated. Source: East Idaho News and KIFI
- The Stanley School expansion project broke ground and aims to be completed by summer 2025. Two new classrooms and a library are being added with funds of $550,000 from Challis School District trustees and $700,000 from Stanley School Parents Association. Source: Challis Messenger
Fremont County
- The Fish Creek Fire is estimated to be 25,017 acres and 79% contained. Source: KIFI
Jefferson County
- Snake River Meadow RV Park and Campground opened in Ririe, available for weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions and more. Source: East Idaho News
- Rigby City Council approved a 15-unit residential Planned Unit Development. Source: Jefferson Star
Lemhi County
- The Garden Fire has burned 10,000 acres and is 0% contained. There are 177 personnel on site working to contain it. Source: KIFI
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $4.8 million to the Panther Creek Project at the Municipal Watershed in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This is part of an effort to expand work on the U.S. Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Source: Capital Press
- Exploration of copper at Electra Battery Materials’ Iron Creek cobalt project will be expanded with financial commitments to Phoenix Copper for 2026 and 2028. Electra has applied for a 10-year exploration permit to drill at 91 sites. Source: Challis Messenger
Madison County
- UNIQ Supply, a custom logo firm, opened their corporate headquarters in Rexburg. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- The following establishments opened in Rexburg: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Sparks BBQ, Tagg-N-Go Carwash and South Fork Flooring. Source: East Idaho News
- New Fong’s, a restaurant in Rexburg, is permanently closing after 18 years of business. Source: East Idaho News
- The city of Rexburg partnered with Silver Star Communications and Lightbridge Fiber Network for a connectivity project to be completed by fall 2025. The network will cover every street, have open access and is being built with 100% private investment. The four providers to choose from include ConnectFast, Intellipop, Altitude Fiber and Direct Communications. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- Rexburg Parks Department has introduced the new Teton River Park project. The project will take about 10 years to develop where people can go tubing, paddle boarding and biking. Source: KIFI
- Brigham Young University-Idaho Fall 2024 enrollment consists of 24,111 campus-based students, which is a 3.4% increase over the fall 2023 semester. This was also the largest incoming freshman class in school history. Source: BYU-Idaho Newsroom
- Rexburg City Council approved a $66,000 tennis court conversion into six pickleball courts, to be completed by the spring of 2025. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
Teton County
- Primrose Park opened in Driggs and was funded by Tributary, a private residential community. The park has a playground, soccer field, sand volleyball, basketball and pickleball court. Source: Teton Valley News
- The Idaho Community Foundation awarded grants to:
- Above and Beyond the Classroom Teton Valley – received $7,500 for educational and economic opportunities.
- Community Resource Center of Teton Valley – will receive $2,500 for housing stability efforts.
- Full Circle Education Inc. – will receive $1,000 for educational and economic opportunities.
- Teton Valley Education Foundation – will receive $2,000 for educational opportunities.
- Teton Valley Mental Health Coalition – will receive $2,500 for health and wellness programs.
Source: Teton Valley News
Eastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – September 2023 and 2024
| Median price sold | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | $462,000 | $439,900 | 5.0% |
| Butte | $241,250 | $269,000 | -10.3% |
| Clark | $240,000 | $224,750 | 6.8% |
| Custer | $499,450 | $500,000 | -0.1% |
| Fremont | $716,225 | $699,000 | 2.5% |
| Jefferson | $523,125 | $560,000 | -6.6% |
| Lemhi | $593,000 | $712,000 | -16.7% |
| Madison | $407,125 | $417,963 | -2.6% |
| Teton | $896,000 | $972,500 | -7.9% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | |||
| Active listings (inventory) | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 409 | 330 | 23.9% |
| Butte | 14 | 21 | -33.3% |
| Clark | 1 | 2 | -50.0% |
| Custer | 46 | 31 | 48.4% |
| Fremont | 151 | 118 | 28.0% |
| Jefferson | 122 | 101 | 20.8% |
| Lemhi | 60 | 51 | 17.6% |
| Madison | 110 | 89 | 23.6% |
| Teton | 164 | 138 | 18.8% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Median days on market | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 50 | 46 | 8.7% |
| Butte | 78 | 52 | 50.0% |
| Clark | 162 | 26 | 523.1% |
| Custer | 94 | 105 | -10.5% |
| Fremont | 90 | 66 | 36.4% |
| Jefferson | 57 | 60 | -5.0% |
| Lemhi | 80 | 97 | -17.5% |
| Madison | 68 | 57 | 19.3% |
| Teton | 87 | 64 | 35.9% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Total homes pending sale | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 190 | 169 | 12.4% |
| Butte | 7 | 1 | 600.0% |
| Clark | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Custer | 7 | 8 | -12.5% |
| Fremont | 34 | 27 | 25.9% |
| Jefferson | 30 | 31 | -3.2% |
| Lemhi | 7 | 6 | 16.7% |
| Madison | 37 | 33 | 12.1% |
| Teton | 172 | 53 | 224.5% |
| 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.
Region
Labor force estimates for August 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have total employment and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, August’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 352 people, with 333 more employed people and 19 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region remained at 3.1%, the same as June 2024, and 0.4 percentage points higher than July 2023.
Figure 1.
Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data Aug-24 (P) Jul-24 (P) Aug-23 (B)
Civilian labor force 132,539 132,187 128,928
Total employment 128,375 128,042 125,499
Unemployment 4,164 4,145 3,429
% of labor force unemployed 3.1 3.1 2.7
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties
Region
Labor force estimates for July 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) have both total employment increasing and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, July’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 1,754 people, with 1,578 more employed people and 176 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.1%, 0.1 percentage points higher than June 2024 and a half a percent higher than July 2023.