News

Around North Central Idaho: Economic activity, July 2025

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

Regional news

  • Drought conditions for most of north central Idaho were downgraded from moderate drought (D1) to severe drought (D2) at the end of June. They were then further downgraded to extreme drought (D3) in early July. Source: drought.gov
  • Lewis-Clark State College closed its Adult Learning Center outreach offices in Moscow and Orofino. Adult basic education and GED testing remain available in the main office in Lewiston along with a single outreach site in Grangeville. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
  • The Idaho Department of Education approved three years of funding for school resource officer positions at Lewiston High School and Craigmont’s Highland Joint School District. Source: KOZE

Nez Perce County

  • Lewiston’s Rite Aid is scheduled to transfer ownership to CVS Pharmacy in September 2025. The deal is a result of CVS acquiring 64 Rite Aid stores in Idaho, Washington and Oregon following Rite Aid’s bankruptcy liquidation. The Rite Aid store in Moscow has closed. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • A fire damaged trailers and other items at moving company Eagle Transfer Trina Company Inc in Lewiston in mid July. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • The Lewis Clark Animal Shelter is starting a new four-week community dog training course. Source: Daily Fly

Idaho County

  • Grangeville’s Pioneer Park held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new pavilion. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

  • The National Association of College and University Residence Halls selected the University of Idaho’s Residence Hall Association as the 2025 School of the year. The award recognizes institutions with strong levels of student participation and campus involvement. Source: Daily Fly
  • Lightcast has acquired professional data provider Rhetorik, based in the United Kingdom. Source: Lightcast
  • The City of Moscow was awarded a $584,000 grant from the National Park Service to create walking paths, sidewalks, new lighting and paved parking at Lola Clyde Park. Construction is expected to begin in 2027. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • Gritman Medical Center was named one of the top 100 Great Community Hospitals by Becker’s Hospital Review for its continued work to expand both service offerings and patient access. Source: Gritman Medical Center

Clearwater County

  • The City of Orofino hosted Capital for a Day in late July. Source: Idaho Governor’s Office

Lewis County

  • Hillco Technologies has taken over production of JC Uhling Case Clamps. The clamps are used by cabinetmakers and other woodworking professionals. Source: Hillco Technologies

Openings

  • The Den maternity consignment store, Moscow
  • Luxe Barn women’s clothing boutique, Grangeville
  • Sweetwater Design antique store, Riggins
  • Seven Devils & Bar Steakhouse restaurant, Riggins
  • Aura Esthetics, Lewiston
  • Boba Bliss, Lewiston
  • CS Spice Store, Lewiston
  • East & West Supply Company, Lewiston
  • Gathered Roots Cleaning Services, Lewiston
  • Handy Fix & Finish handyman service, Lewiston
  • Hells Canyon Dog Wash, Lewiston
  • Mobile Techs cellular phone repair, Lewiston

Closings

  • North Idaho Vision, Moscow
  • Rite Aid, Moscow

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, July 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for June 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have total over-the-month employment marginally decreasing and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, June preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 111 people, with two fewer employed people and 113 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region remained unchanged at 3.2% since last month and 0.1 percentage points lower than June 2024.
Figure 1.
Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted dataJun-25 (P)May-25 (P)Jun-24 (B)
Civilian labor force132,016131,905134,639
Total employment127,732127,734130,239
Unemployment4,2844,1714,400
% of labor force unemployed3.23.23.3
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • There were an estimated 3,961 deduplicated job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for June 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 38% increase from 2,446 the prior month and a 35% increase from 2,554 year over year.
  • Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers replaced customer service representatives in the top five of unique job postings in the region for June. Radiologic technologists and technicians, personal care aides and diagnostic medical sonographers were also new to the top occupations by quantity of job postings in June. Employer hiring demand, based on quantity of job postings, increased 46% for registered nurses, 35% for merchandise displayers and window trimmers, 23% for retail sales supervisors, 22% for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers and 21% for customer service representatives. There were no decreases in hiring demand for any of the top occupations since last month.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, June 2025Postings
Registered nurses157
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers139
Retail salespersons133
First-line supervisors of retail service workers79
Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers76
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers65
Radiologic technologists and technicians65
Personal care aides63
Customer service representatives62
Diagnostic medical sonographers61
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Administrative support, waste management, remediation services and wholesale trade replaced retail trade and educational services in the top five regional industries by quantity of job postings for June.
  • Hiring demand based on total unique job postings increased over the month in the following industries: 120% in accommodation and food services, 43% in health care and social assistance, 42% in finance and insurance, 41% in construction, 37% in real estate (including rental and leasing), 35% in retail trade and 26% in manufacturing. Hiring demand, based on total unique job postings, decreased by 5% in the professional, scientific and technical services industries.
Figure 3.
Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, June 2025Postings
Health care and social assistance606
Retail trade420
Administrative, support waste management and remediation services370
Wholesale trade280
Professional, scientific and technical services274
Educational services271
Manufacturing238
Construction198
Accommodation and food services152
Finance and insurance105
Real estate, rental and leasing96
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Hardest-to-fill occupations in the eastern Idaho region for June, by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings, included customer service representatives, secondary school teachers, stockers and order fillers, hand laborers and material mover supervisors. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in June by occupational family were in installation, maintenance and repair, as well as transportation and material moving. All occupations added to the hardest-to-fill jobs list in June were new, except construction laborers, stockers and order fillers. These occupations were carryovers from the prior month.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, June 2025Days to fillPostings
Secondary school teachers5545
First-line supervisors of helpers, hand laborers and material movers 5523
Nuclear engineers4922
Customer service representatives4462
First-line supervisors of food preparation and serving workers3730
Crop, nursery, greenhouse farmworkers and laborers3625
Automotive service technicians and mechanics3625
Construction laborers3423
Stockers and order fillers3347
General maintenance and repair workers3231
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

  • The Idaho National Laboratory (INL) will serve as chief digital officer for a new national SMART USA (Semiconductor Manufacturing and Advanced Research with Twins USA Institute). The project aims to enhance domestic computer chip (semiconductor) manufacturing. INL was tapped for its expertise in digital twinning, high-performance computing, digital engineering, artificial intelligence and advanced manufacturing. Source: KIFI
  • The College of Eastern Idaho (CEI) began its inaugural Peace Officer Standards and Training Patrol Academy for its first recruits. The 18-week program is designed to expand workforce training, including firearms safety, emergency vehicle operations, physical training and arrest techniques. Source: CEI
  • The Wyoming Department of Transportation completed final paving for the reopening of Highway 22, connecting Teton Valley, Idaho Highway 33 to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Just over a year ago, the Teton Pass thoroughfare catastrophically failed due to a landslide, affecting key commuter and tourist connections between the two communities. Experts say it is rebuilt to last 75 years. Source: Buckrail
  • Idaho State University and the College of Eastern Idaho announced an updated partnership to improve accessible pathways in high-demand fields, including education, engineering, business, health sciences, nursing and associate and bachelor’s degree programs. Credit transfer equivalencies are also included in the partnership. Source: Post Register
  • Yellowstone National Park hosted 928,250 recreation visits in June, an increase of 1% from June 2024 and a 1% decrease from June 2021, the busiest year on record. Year to date, the park has hosted over 1.69 million visits, this is a 4% increase from last year and an increase of 6% from 2021. Source: National Park Service
  • The newly paved 22-mile Yale-Kilgore Road was completed. It connects Clark and Fremont counties to Caribou-Targhee National Forest, including Island Park, for recreation, hunting and fishing. The project also meets travel safety and commercial needs due to the popularity of the area. Source: U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
  • Alturas Academy, including three schools in eastern Idaho, is receiving new grant funding to pay for school resource officers. The Idaho Legislature and the Millennium Fund awarded it to 21 state education agencies for three years. Source: KIFI
  • Idaho Falls hosted the 22nd International Sport Fly Fishing Federation World Youth Championship. Competitors from 12 nations competed at Snake River-Henry’s Fork, Hebgen Lake, Warm River, Sheridan Lake and Grey’s River venues. Source: Post Register

Bonneville County

  • The new multi-sport Odyssey Athletics Training Facility opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
  • A year-round brick and mortar fireworks store, Neon Boom Fireworks, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
  • A new beverage shop, The Soda Barn, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Post Register
  • Stella’s Ice Cream, based in Boise, is opening a location in Idaho Falls, bringing the total number of locations for Stella’s to ten. Source: Post Register
  • A new private dog park and taphouse, Hops N’ Paws, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
  • The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cuttings and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at The Soda Barn and Tagg-N-Go Car Wash. 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

Clark County

  • The Goat Locker Bar & Grill and Sweet Tooth Sip & Scoop shop both opened in Dubois. Source: East Idaho News
  • The recently restored Silver Sage Square commercial space in downtown Dubois will house a bakery, craft store and two restaurants. Source: East Idaho News

Fremont County

  • About 300 patrons attended the Henry’s Fork Wildlife Alliance festival at Harriman State Park in Island Park. The event helped the community learn about local wildlife and local citizen conservation groups at the Upper Henry’s Fork Watershed. Source: Henry’s Fork Wildlife Alliance
  • The city of St. Anthony hired Merrick Company that specializes in helping municipalities improve their waterways. Upgrades at the river sand bar will change the existing features to attract more visitors downtown for kayaking, surfing, fishing and swimming. Fun Farm and Del Rio Bridges were also discussed for upgrades. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal

Lemhi County

  • Salmon will have a new preschool through eighth grade school building next year after a $20 million approved bond. Financing the $29 million facility also includes donations, state funds, sponsorships and real estate sales. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
  • Fernwaters Public Charter School in Salmon received a $3.5 million federal loan for a permanent K-8 campus, which will include an auditorium. Source: Idaho Education News
  • Exploratory drilling at Revival Gold’s Beartrack-Arnett gold project will begin this summer. Drilling is planned for targets south of the Joss area. Source: Challis Messenger

Madison County

  • A new take-out restaurant, Buffalo Wild Wings GO, opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
  • Rexburg Chamber of Commerce announced groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings for Altura Community Consulting & Business Finance, Twisted Sugar, Wind River Insurance, Curry Pizza and Executive Networking Referral Group. Source: Rexburg Chamber of Commerce

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

  • The most significant extremes in home price changes over the year in the eastern region are Teton County with a 47% increase and Lemhi County with a 23% decrease. There are 261 more homes listed than June 2024, regionally. This includes inventory increases of 42% in Bonneville County, 66% in Jefferson County and 20% in Madison County. The increased supply of homes in the market, however, has not been conducive to lower overall prices, which doesn’t necessarily tilt in either the buyer market’s or seller market’s favor. Also, homes are staying on the market a week longer on average than June 2024 (at 63 days). The quantity of homes under contract is nearly equal to what it was in June 2024 for the region.
Figure 5.
Median price soldJun-25Jun-24Change
Bonneville$469,000$489,900-4.3%
Butte$299,900$257,50016.5%
Clark$283,500$255,75010.9%
Custer$699,700$649,0007.8%
Fremont$719,950$652,50010.3%
Jefferson$527,500$560,000-5.8%
Lemhi$497,500$649,500-23.4%
Madison$460,000$430,0007.0%
Teton$955,500$650,00047.0%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics
Figure 6.
Active listings (inventory)Jun-25Jun-24Change
Bonneville48834342.3%
Butte1415-6.7%
Clark3250.0%
Custer433619.4%
Fremont139149-6.7%
Jefferson1217365.8%
Lemhi694650.0%
Madison12010020.0%
Teton18215120.5%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 7.
Median days on marketJun-25Jun-24Change
Bonneville463821.1%
Butte6077-22.1%
Clark1089810.2%
Custer6372-12.5%
Fremont48464.3%
Jefferson504316.3%
Lemhi784573.3%
Madison4657-19.3%
Teton6825172.0%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 8.
Total homes pending saleJun-25Jun-24Change
Bonneville1811800.6%
Butte45-20.0%
Clark1N/AN/A
Custer25-60.0%
Fremont222010.0%
Jefferson504511.1%
Lemhi811-27.3%
Madison383026.7%
Teton3693-61.3%
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, July 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for June 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics had total employment decreasing and total unemployment increasing in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, June’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 48 people, with 158 less employed people and 206 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.7%, a 0.2% increase from May 2025. This was the same rate in June 2024.
Figure 1.
Southeastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data
Jun-25 (P)May-25 (R)Jun-24 (B)
Civilian labor force87,05987,01186,724
Total employment83,81883,97683,541
Unemployment3,2413,0353,183
% of labor force unemployed3.7%3.5%3.7%
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
  • In June 2025 there were 2,246 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area, which increased from the prior month and year over year. The median job posting duration was 21 days, which decreased nine days from May and decreased one day from June 2024.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
Jun-25
Postings,
Jun-24
Registered nurses9480
Retail salespersons91109
Home health and personal care aides8220
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers7749
Customer service representatives4631
Special education teachers and all other379
Teaching assistants, except postsecondary377
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners379
Coaches and scouts344
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers3138
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho for June were health care, sales and transportation. Among specific occupations, there are registered nurses (94), retail salespersons (91) and truck drivers (77). This month, teachers, teacher assistants, janitors and coaches have all increased since last year.
Figure 3.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
Jun-25
Postings,
Jun-24
General medical and surgical hospitals283186
Elementary and secondary schools1003
Supermarkets and other grocery (except convenience stores)6843
Colleges, universities and professional schools6563
Direct health and medical carriers6342
Limited-service restaurants 5222
Other general government support42103
Automotive parts and accessories retailers3622
Engineering services3610
Home health care services3313
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Health care and social assistance, retail, trade and education are at the top of broadly defined industries by unique online job postings in June. This includes general medical and surgical hospitals, supermarkets and elementary schools. Elementary and secondary schools also had elevated hirings since last year, which was an increase of 100 postings compared with three.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in southeastern IdahoMedian duration,
Jun-25
Unique postings,
Jun-25
Physical therapist aides592
Human resources managers574
Cardiologists574
First-line supervisors of transportation and material workers, except aircraft cargo handling supervisors559
Veterinarians531
Cardiovascular technologists and technicians5210
Coaches and scouts5134
Education administrators and postsecondary5011
Medical scientists, except epidemiologists491
Managers and all other4613
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Based on the hiring challenges by median number of days an occupational job posting is listed, physical therapists (59), human resources managers (57), cardiologists (57) and transportation supervisors (55) stood out. Of these top hardest to fill occupations, coaches were also on the list for most in demand in the region.
Figure 5.
County housing data, June 2025Median listing priceMonth over month price changeMedian days on the marketActive listings
Bannock$426,850-0.72%44348
Bear Lake$616,500-0.40%7483
Bingham$448,100-1.49%46168
Caribou$395,000-5.93%5251
Franklin$501,0003.30%5873
Oneida$375,000-4.76%8324
Power$404,4506.46%5726
Source: Realtor.com Economic Research
  • In June, Oneida County had the lowest median price in the region due to its 5% downward price shift. Oneida County also had  the smallest overall housing stock.
  • Power County with a similarly small market, increased prices by 6% after being last month’s cheapest market. Low inventory makes these counties susceptible to larger price fluctuations as just one house leaving a market of 25 can shift median prices drastically.
  • Bannock County remained the hottest market with a median of 44 days on the market and 348 active listings. The county with the longest median time on the market, was still Oneida County at 132 days.

Regional news

Bannock County

  • Construction continued on the new Optimist Skatepark in Pocatello. The 7,000 square foot skatepark will still need to install irrigation, stormwater retention, signage, landscaping and painting. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • A brush fire near the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Kinghorn Road was suppressed by neighborhood residents with hoses and fire extinguishers until firefighters could arrive preventing any structural damage. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The City of Inkom held its third annual Lavender Festival. The event garnered 2,000 visitors in 2024. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The Bannock County Veterans Memorial Association sought public assistance in meeting a $100,000 donation minimum to qualify for a matching donation promised by an anonymous donor. The funds would go towards repairing flood damage from the end of 2024. At the time of writing, the association raised $43,000. Source: KIFI News
  • In Fort Hall, 400 people evacuated as over 1,000 acres burned in the Garden Creek area. There were no injuries or structural damage. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • IT company MOATiT purchased the former Boy Scouts of America building on Pocatello Creek Road. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair saw over 4,000 attendees in its third year. The event offered food trucks, vendors and various live performances including a magician and live combat. Source: East Idaho News
  • Yoimi Sushi and Hibachi opened in the Dude’s Public Market as did the Tunki Learning Center, a child care center. The Rogue Restaurant in Lava Hot Springs also opened. Source: KPVI News, Idaho State Journal, The News Examiner

Bear Lake County

  • Broulim’s celebrated 58 years of operation with its re-grand opening. The remodeling of the facility includes new self-checkouts, a service center and store offices. Source: The News Examiner
  • Wu House Authentic Chinese Cuisine closed its doors in the City of Montpelier to open a food truck. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Bear Lake Memorial Hospital earned an accreditation from the Emergency Medical Services for Children. The hospital is now recognized as an Emergency Medical Services for Children Pediatric Capable hospital. Source: The News Examiner

Bingham County

  • The Smoke-N-Wings Barbecue competition was held at the Blackfoot Airport. Chefs from Idaho, Texas, Canada, North Dakota and North Carolina converged to put their skills to the test. The event, which sponsors the Bingham County Mayor’s Scholarship Fund and the Blackfoot Airport, raised $10,000 last year. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • The Blackfoot Community Center was renamed the Blackfoot Rec Center under new ownership. The new owners have restricted access to a single gym as repairs are underway. Source: East Idaho News
  • Saber Ridge Farms opened a new storefront offering food products direct from the farm, as well as other local vendors. Source: Idaho State Journal

Caribou County

  • Beans and Things in Soda Springs is moving locations from a drive-thru to a permanent building. Source: The News Examiner

Franklin County

  • The Fit Factory gym opened its new location in Preston. The 7,000 square foot location offers additional space for equipment and new amenities such as red light therapy, infrared sauna, massage chairs, showers and a children’s room. Source: The Preston Citizen

Oneida County

  • Hess Lumber celebrated its 90th year of operation with free food, a giveaway and live music. Idaho Enterprise

Power County

  • The Trove opened in the city of American Falls. The shop offers a variety of tie-dyed clothing, art and astronomy stickers. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • East Idaho’s Frends of the Children in American Falls raised $68,000 and paired 16 at risk youth with mentors. Major contributor, Intelihub, provided a $12,500 grant. Source: Idaho State Journal

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, July 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, Jun-25Postings, Jun-24
Registered nurses11932
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers8848
Retail salespersons8254
Customer service representatives6111
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers4436
Home health and personal care aides4116
Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand3417
Farmworkers, laborers, crop, nursery and greenhouse3217
Maintenance, repair workers and general2911
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners289
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 2
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in south central IdahoPostings, Jun-25Postings, Jun-24
Health care and social assistance249149
Retail trade237173
Manufacturing221126
Finance and insurance13040
Professional, scientific and technical services11784
Wholesale trade9062
Accommodation and food services8823
Educational services8720
Administrative support, waste management and remediation services8433
Transportation and warehousing7329
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 3
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in south central IdahoDays to fill, Jun-25Days to fill, Jun-24
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians23N/A
Automotive body and related repairers22N/A
General internal medicine physicians22N/A
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products2111
Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks215
Sales managers207
Accountants and auditors20N/A
First-line supervisors of production and operating workers2023
Social and human services assistants20N/A
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers19N/A
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Blaine County

  • American Airlines has announced seasonal flights from Chicago and Phoenix to Friedman Memorial Airport from Dec. 18, 2025 to April 6, 2026. Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Twin Falls County

  • The College of Southern Idaho is continuing their Fire Science Program, with the goal of increasing the population of qualified applicants for local fire departments. Source: KMVT
  • A new Les Schwab Tire Center has opened in Kimberly. Source: Magic Valley Times 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 Southwestern Idaho: Economic activity, June 2025

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

Regional labor market information

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

Median price sold20252024Change
Ada$579,900$559,8393.6%
Adams$417,500$525,000-20.5%
Boise$571,000$467,50022.1%
Canyon$433,490$419,9953.2%
Elmore$369,900$352,0005.1%
Gem$425,445$408,5004.1%
Owyhee$390,000$372,5004.7%
Payette$395,000$400,750-1.4%
Valley$812,000$790,0002.8%
Washington$312,125$420,635-25.8%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1b.
Days on market20252024Change
Ada3438-10.5%
Adams7298-26.5%
Boise4475-41.3%
Canyon44424.8%
Elmore532889.3%
Gem51486.3%
Owyhee4865-26.2%
Payette3753-30.2%
Valley57570.0%
Washington523933.3%
Regional average days4954-9.4%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1c.
Inventory20252024Change
Ada2,1211,62930.2%
Adams483633.3%
Boise14910246.1%
Canyon1,1731,06510.1%
Elmore1529855.1%
Gem1277960.8%
Owyhee353016.7%
Payette1181134.4%
Valley18515420.1%
Washington57529.6%
Regional totals4,1653,35824.0%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 1d.
Total homes sold20252024Change
Ada8358093.2%
Adams6450.0%
Boise161414.3%
Canyon4644385.9%
Elmore452955.2%
Gem362638.5%
Owyhee510-50.0%
Payette35342.9%
Valley1620-20.0%
Washington1215-20.0%
SW sold and % change1,4701,3995.1%
Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service
Figure 2.
Southwestern Idaho job postingsMay-24May-25% change# change
Unique postings10,2799,524-7.3%-755
Days posted101440.0%4
Number of employers2,2172,2732.5%56
Advertised wage$25.05$28.9815.7%$3.93
Share wage advertisements42%49%16.7%7%
Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast
Figure 3.
Top occupations by unique job postings in southwestern IdahoPostings, May-25Postings, May-24Year over year % change
Registered nurses313314-0.3%
Retail salespersons222267-16.9%
Customer service representatives178212-16.0%
Sales representatives, wholesale, manufacturing, except technical and scientific products207216-4.2%
Trailer-tractor truck drivers17512638.9%
Software developers18413437.3%
Janitors and cleaners90121-25.6%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers128161-20.5%
Project managers110132-16.7%
Business development and sales managers111137-19.0%
Account managers and representatives7787-43.8
Source: Help Wanted Online data via Lightcast

Regional news

Ada County

  • The Idaho Department of Labor’s Boise local office hosted a hiring event at the State of Idaho’s Chinden Campus. It was well attended with 23 employers and 232 job seekers. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • Micron announced it plans to build a second fabrication plant at its southeast Boise campus. The company is currently constructing its research and development plant alongside a water treatment plant. It is purported that the bare ground between the existing campus and the new construction will be filled with buildings and parking structures developed to handle the R&D production process and workforce. The company expects the second Boise fab to come online before the first New York fabrication plant commonly referred to as a ‘megafab’ based on its output. The company expects to create an estimated 90,000 indirect and direct jobs across the U.S. Source: Micron and Idaho Business Review
  • Pivot Pointe is a new subdivision in Meridian with homes priced lower than normal. It was developed by national builder KB Homes and is offering single-family residences significantly below Ada County’s May median sales price of $579,500. Its starting price point is $380,000 for a 1,570 square foot home with the caveat that prices are an estimate as some carry fees. Homes are under construction in other KB subdivisions in Meridian and in Nampa. Source: Idaho Business Review

Boise County

  • Bogus Basin officially opened its summer operations with offerings such as the Glade Runner Mountain Coaster, the bike park and the Mineshaft Challenge Course. The chairlift transports people seeking thrills on the mountain bike trails, as well as those seeking hiking opportunities, scenic vistas and photo opportunities. Bogus Basin is also collaborating with the Duck Club that created Treefort Music Fest to offer a series of live music events throughout the summer. Details can be found here. Source: Idaho Press and Bogus Basin
  • Horseshoe Bend is experiencing issues with its source of potable water, the Payette River. Residents are asked to conserve water which has been treated and stored in the city water tank. Mudslides upriver turned the water dark brown, stopping it from being treated. The conservation is expected to be temporary as the river will clear up. Source: Idaho News 6

Canyon County

  • Salvador Alamilla, the owner of  Amano, is the second Idaho chef to win a James Beard Award for the Mountain region. The award was presented in Chicago, competing against chefs in Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and Montana. The win comes after four years of repeated nominations. The restaurant has been open for approximately six years, having recently moved to a different location in Caldwell. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • The Kroger Company announced plans to build a 155,000-square-foot Fred Meyer store in Caldwell. The store will employ 250 workers with the company expecting to break ground in the spring of 2026 and open in 2026 or 2027. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • The Gardner Group announced rebranding of the Nampa Gateway Center to the Sugar District, a nod to the nearby processing plant. The 65-acre development will look different with a new façade, updated landscaping, parking and lighting to start. A 112-room TownePlace Suites Hotel will open in late July while a second Flying Pickle indoor pickleball club will open during the fall. Nampa Gateway Center originally opened in 2007 with J.C. Penney as its anchor. Sports Authority and Macy’s opened in 2009, then the Regal Edwards Nampa Gateway movie theater opened in 2010. Except for J.C. Penney, the ensuing businesses have all shuttered. Apartments and townhomes are part of the larger development plan but still in the design stage. A block party was held in June to celebrate the rebranding of the Sugar District with giveaways, food and Bus Bar Idaho which served mocktails. Source: Idaho Statesman

Gem County

  • The 90th annual Cherry Festival was held in Emmett with growers reporting the warm days and nights leading up to the second week of June produced a higher yield than average crop of cherries. It is estimated that an average of 55,000 visitors went to Emmett to enjoy at least one of the four days of activities and cherry picking options in the orchards. Source: Idaho Press

Valley County

  • Both Brundage and Tamarack ski resorts are operating their chair lifts for summer recreation such as hiking and mountain biking. Brundage offers an event center coined Bluebird Pavilion. Both hills feature live music, bike races or fun runs and yoga on the mountain. Tamarack’s Osprey Meadows Golf Course is newly open, offering 18-holes with a 19th Gambler’s Hole. Source: The Star-News

New construction projects

  • Northwest Nazarene University broke ground on its new indoor athletics training facility. The 22,000-square-foot building is named after the donor of the steel for the building — Rob Roberts of R&M Steel. The focus is on activity, health and wellness but the university emphasized it will be one of the top training centers for golf in the Northwest. Source: Idaho Business Review
  • Construction is underway on an 11,384-square-foot administrative building and equipment yard as the Ada County Highway District’s maintenance and operations facility moves from Garden City to a site on South Apple and Federal Way. Source: Ada County Highway District and BoiseDev
  • A new retail strip mall is under construction in southeast Boise with Master Lee’s Taekwondo as the anchor tenant, moving from around the block. Source: BoiseDev and City of Boise Planning

Openings

  • Johnson Thermal Systems, a Caldwell-based company, hosted a grand opening celebration for its second Idaho plant, this one in Nampa. The company manufactures generators that keep data centers in operation during power outages. The cost of the 172,000 square foot facility is $55 million and allows the company to double its manufacturing capacity, according to the company president. The new plant is in the process of hiring 140 workers, mentioning there may be a need for another Nampa plant in the future. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Tacos Loteria opened in Meridian at the former Von’s Chicken space, moving from its two-year-old food truck to a brick-and-mortar restaurant. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • A second Treasure Valley Wienerschnitzel restaurant opened in Nampa complete with a grand opening celebration. The fast-food franchise was founded in 1961 with a hot dog cart in southern California. Source: KTVB News
  • El Molcajete Mexican restaurant opened in Meridian at the former Biscuits & Hogs and Sunrise Café sites. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • State Street Food Truck Lot opened in Boise on a lot that was formerly used for outdoor auto storage. It is home to Pop’s Treasure Valley Taqueria, The Hood and Anzalone Pizza. There will be rotations throughout the summer. The area is complete with yard games, portable restrooms, picnic tables and shade umbrellas. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • The 26-story apartment tower named Arthur, after Arthur Oppenheimer who founded Oppenheimer Development Corporation, opened in Boise’s downtown area. It is billed as the tallest residential building with 298 luxury units, a rooftop pool, a 24-hour concierge and barista services, 327 covered parking spots and 8,800 square feet of retail. Source: Idaho Business Review
  • A new farmers’ market opened in Boise called the West Bench Farmers Market operating on Thursday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. It offers food and craft vendors. Global Gardens, an Idaho Office for Refugees program, received a U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to establish the new market offering a fresh-food resource to the community. At the same time, it is creating economic opportunities for small-scale producers of ethnic goods and fresh garden produce. Global Lounge is focused on cultural preservation, education, integration and the promotion of cultural awareness for individual and community development. Other partners include the neighborhood association, Boise Bicycle Project, City of Good and radio station Tropico FM. Source: Capital Press

Closings

  • Shige’s Sushi Express in Meridian is closing after 14 years. Shige founded downtown Boise’s first sushi restaurant in 1992, it closed 26 years later. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • The Stuffed Olive closed in Eagle. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Vons Chicken closed its restaurant in a Meridian strip mall. It was known for its popular Korean fried chicken. The company is headquartered in South Korea with locations in the U.S., Guam, China, Vietnam, Guatemala and Cambodia. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • Sushi Joy Asian Cuisine near downtown Boise closed after 14 years. Umai Sushi Burrito claims it will open within a month offering sushi burritos, poke bowls, noodle soups and teriyaki plates. Source: Idaho Statesman
  • The Rite Aid stores in McCall and Caldwell have shuttered. This is part of the bankruptcy proceedings with the company commenting that many of its stores will be sold to CVS Pharmacy. 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 Northern Idaho: Economic activity, June 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • Labor demand in northern Idaho was robust in May 2025, with a total of 1,874 unique job postings in the region. This number was slightly lower than the previous month, with 2,140 postings in April 2025. However, this month was consistent year over year with seasonal trends, with May 2024 having 1,864 postings. Unemployment decreased slightly to 4.6% in May, compared to 4.7% in April and has unchanged year over year. Total employment and labor force both increased slightly year over year.
Figure 1.
Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted dataMay-25 (P)Apr-25 (R)May-24 (B)
Civilian labor force130,999132,250129,014
Total employment124,924126,065123,056
Unemployment6,0756,1855,958
% of labor force unemployed4.6%4.7%4.6%
Source: Idaho Department of LaborP – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern IdahoPostings,
May-25
Postings,
May-24
Registered nurses9077
Retail salespersons6880
Home health and personal care aides6657
Customer service representatives4033
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners3420
Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand3229
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers3034
Medical and health services managers2939
Fast food and counter workers2536
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 3.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in northern IdahoPostings, May-25Postings, May-24
Health care and social assistance296283
Retail trade196244
Administrative and support services169151
Accommodation and food services117112
Finance and insurance8598
Professional, scientific and technical services8258
Manufacturing7984
Wholesale trade7366
Other services5848
Construction5546
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern IdahoMedian duration, May-25Median duration, May-24
Business operations specialists and all other26N/A
Loan officers25N/A
Social science research assistants24N/A
Manicurists and pedicurists24N/A
Educational, guidance, career counselors and advisors23N/A
Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers23N/A
Parts salespersons22N/A
Tire repairers and changers22N/A
Recreational therapists22N/A
Security guards20N/A
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Kootenai County

  • Coeur d’Alene Ironman was held on Sunday, June 22. The 70.3-mile triathlon, which has become a fixture summer event in Coeur d’Alene, drew more than 1,000 athletes to northern Idaho this year. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • A new retail center in Coeur d’Alene is nearing completion and has begun announcing tenants. A Five Guys restaurant and EyeMart Express will anchor the new Heritage Square on U.S. 95 in northern Coeur d’Alene. The property has additional retail spaces available, with Five Guys set to open in July. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • The Post Falls City Council approved a construction improvement agreement for a 148-lot subdivision in northern Post Falls. The project, dubbed Crown Reserve, will be located north of the Crown Pointe Subdivision and will require significant infrastructure improvements. No timeline has been published for construction. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
  • Lyon Living, a California based developer, is planning a $165 million luxury residential project at the Coeur d’Alene National Reserve, which is a private golf resort on Lake Coeur d’Alene. The developer plans to break ground this summer and build 55 homes. The first phase, named The Fairway Lodges, will consist of 24 three-bedroom homes along the 17th fairway of the Coeur d’Alene National Reserve course, with prices starting at $2 million. Source: Journal of Business
  • North Idaho College is launching a new Culinary Arts Sous Chef apprenticeship, which will include classroom instruction and 4,000 hours of paid employment at local restaurants across six semesters. College representatives said that the “earn as you learn” apprenticeship model will not only help participants maintain employment while earning their credential but also help the local food service industry with pressing labor shortages. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Openings

  • Indigo Urgent Care (Hayden).
  • Gem State Primary Care (Hayden).
  • Café Rio (Post Falls).
  • Alani Bakery LLC (Coeur d’Alene).
  • Anchored Coffee Company (Coeur d’Alene).
  • Capriotti’s Sandwich Shop (Post Falls).
  • Copow Café (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.

Around North Central Idaho: Economic activity, June 2025

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

Regional news

  • The Nez Perce Tribe has established the Department of Planning and Economic Development to guide the tribe’s long-term economic growth. Source: Nez Perce Tribe
  • The Innovia Foundation awarded over $162,000 in community grants to 13 nonprofit organizations within north central Idaho. Award grantees by county include:
    • Clearwater County: Clearwater Community Complex and Clearwater County Senior Citizens Inc.
    • Idaho County: City of Kooskia, Kids Klub and REACH Club.
    • Latah County: APOD Productions, Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre and Latah Recovery Community Center Inc.
    • Lewis County: River Arts Kamiah and Upriver Youth Leadership Council.
    • Nez Perce County: Chief Joseph Foundation, LC Crew and Public Health – North Central District Source: Innovia Foundation
  • The cities of Pierce and Deary are participating in the Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health’s 2025 Community Health Academy. The program lasts from June through October and attendees learn strategies for building healthy communities. Each participating city will be awarded a $20,000 health project grant at the end of the five-month program. Source: Clearwater Tribune

Nez Perce County

  • The Port of Lewiston is partnering with Pivot Tech Development Inc. to build a fiber optic network with open access architecture. Project construction will begin within the next few months and is expected to be completed by October 2025. Confluence Communications is a new nonprofit organization created to build, operate and maintain the Lewiston community fiber network. Source: Port of Lewiston
  • The American Red Cross will close its blood donation center in Lewiston in early August 2025. The organization has had a presence in Lewiston for 27 years and currently has a staff of five employees. The organization will bring in future teams from Boise to collect blood donations in the Lewiston area. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • Lewis-Clark State College’s hospitality management program was awarded the 2025 Idaho Division of Career Technical Education Exemplary Postsecondary Program. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
  • Performance Health and Wellness in downtown Lewiston has been renamed RegenTech Physical Therapy. Source: Lewiston Tribune
  • The Idaho Transportation Department plans to begin replacing the Spalding Bridge in 2028. A public comment period will be held during July 2025 and final plans will be submitted September 2025. Source: KOZE
  • Idaho Power plans to purchase 1.19 acres in the Harry Wall Industrial Park to construct a 5,400 square foot building for storing its fish monitoring jetboats. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Idaho County

  • Syringa Hospital and Clinics purchased a vacant lot in Grangeville as well as working towards acquiring another for future expansion. Source: Idaho County Free Press
  • The Idaho Transportation Department will be reconstructing Mount Idaho Grade outside of Grangeville from Rocky Point Lane to SH-14. All lanes are closed from June – November 2025. Source: Big Country News
  • Exodus Salmon River Rafting in Riggins is under new ownership. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

  • The University of Idaho held a soft opening for the new Deep Soil Ecotron soil analysis facility under construction in Moscow. The project will provide for deep soil analysis down to three meters and is on schedule to be operational by the fall of 2026. The $19 million Ecotron lab funding was announced in October 2021 by the U.S. National Science Foundation with a five-year construction period. The only other Ecotron in the U.S. is housed at the Desert Research Institute in Reno, Nevada. Source: Pullman Radio, Science Journal
  • The University of Idaho (UI) officially terminated plans to acquire the University of Phoenix with the Idaho State Board of Education after a final deal could not be reached.  UI has been pursuing acquiring the University of Phoenix since 2023. Source: Idaho State Board of Education
  • The City of Moscow’s city offices have transitioned to a four-day week for the months of July and August and will resume regular hours in September. The summer hours are 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. -Monday through Thursday. The offices are closed on Fridays. Source: City of Moscow
  • Latah County will begin housing its jail inmates in Nez Perce County by the fall of 2025. The Latah County Jail is currently out of compliance with its fire suppression, plumbing, electrical and camera systems. Because of this, Latah County is exploring options for funding construction of a new jail facility. Idaho currently operates 36 county jails statewide. Source: Lewiston Tribune

Clearwater County

  • Clearwater County voters approved the $300,000 annual levy for the Clearwater County Ambulance District. Source: Clearwater Tribune
  • The City of Orofino was selected for the Main Street America Transformation Strategy Workshop by Idaho Commerce. Source: Big Country News
  • NightForce Optics received approval from the City of Orofino to convert a former U.S. Forest Service building into workforce housing comprised of six apartments. Source: Clearwater Tribune
  • The Idaho Transportation Department has began working to replace the bridge over Quartz Creek, north of Pierce, with completion expected in September 2025. Source: KOZE

Openings

  • Sandcastle Antiques, White Bird.
  • W&W Upholstery, Grangeville.
  • The Brickhouse eatery, Grangeville.
  • Seth Stoke Construction relocated from St. Maries to Grangeville.
  • Trailhead Veterinary Services, Grangeville.
  • Hobby Lobby, Lewiston.
  • Gathered Roots Cleaning Services, Lewiston.
  • 530 Media, Lewiston.
  • Sam’s Dog Grooming, Lewiston.
  • Retroplay Vintage antique store, Pierce.

Closings

  • Kooskia Feed & Supply, Kooskia.
  • Appaloosa Museum & Heritage Center, Moscow.

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, June 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for May 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have both total over-the-month employment and unemployment decreasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, May preliminary estimates have labor force participants decreasing by 1,636 people, with 1,463 fewer employed people and 176 fewer unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region decreased to 3.2% since last month and 0.1 percentage points higher than May 2024.
Figure 1.
Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted dataMay-25 (P)Apr-25 (P)May-24 (B)
Civilian labor force131,657133,293134,559
Total employment127,473128,936130,359
Unemployment4,1844,3574,200
% of labor force unemployed3.23.33.1
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • There were an estimated 2,446 deduplicated job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for May 2025, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (This is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) The 2,446 postings are an 18% decrease from 2,998 the prior month, but a 21% increase from 1,938 year-over-year. There was no change in the top five of unique job postings in the region for May. New to the top occupations by quantity of job postings in May were education administrators and driver sales workers. Employer hiring demand, based on quantity of job postings, increased 10% for retail sales supervisors. Hiring demand decreased for all other occupations since last month.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, April 2025Postings
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers108
Registered salespersons95
Registered nurses85
First-line supervisors of retail service workers61
Customer service representatives49
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers42
Secondary school teachers40
Education administrators, kindergarten through secondary40
Coaches and scouts36
Driver sales workers36
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Manufacturing replaced administrative support, waste management and remediation services in the top five regional industries by quantity of job postings for May. Hiring demand based on total unique job postings increased over the month by 3% in the health care and social assistance industry. Hiring demand, based on total job postings, decreased across the board in all other top industries by unique job postings.
Figure 3.
Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, May 2025Postings
Health care and social assistance346
Professional, scientific and technical services 288
Retail trade272
Educational services272
Manufacturing175
Wholesale trade145
Construction117
Public administration86
Accommodation and food services69
Finance and insurance61
Real estate, rental and leasing60
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Hardest-to-fill occupations in the eastern Idaho region for May, by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings, included coaches, scouts, driver sales workers and project management specialists. The hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in May by occupational family were in construction. Occupations added to the hardest-to-fill jobs list in May were software developers, construction laborers, driver sales workers, secretaries, administrative assistants and project management specialists.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, May 2025Days to fillPostings
Occupational health and safety specialists4812
Software developers 4212
Civil engineers4117
Stockers and order fillers3725
Coaches and scouts3636
Operating engineers and construction equipment operators3617
Construction laborers3614
Driver sales workers3436
Secretaries and administrative assistants3420
Project management specialists3332
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

  • The following programs or majors at Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU) are under review for potential restructure: finance, visual and performing arts, human development and education. (Specifically special education and secondary education.) Changes to programs or majors will not affect current students. Source: BYU-Idaho Scroll
  • Yellowstone National Park visitation for May shows an 8% increase compared to May 2024. May had the busiest on record, with 566,363 guests. Year to date, the park has hosted 762,672 visitors, an increase of 6% from last year and an increase of 17% from 2021. Source: National Park Service
  • The University of Idaho (UI) Extension Forestry program made educational outreach and recruitment efforts in eastern Idaho to agriculture students and trained Future Farmers of America Forestry Competition teams. They also facilitated the Eastern Idaho Forestry Field Days for urban-wildland homeowners on how to protect their properties. A seminar was also given on logging, which was once central to the region’s economy, but few sawmills remain. Source: UI Extension
  • Brigham Young University-Idaho (BYU-I) reported enrollment increases of 2.2% for fall, 5.5% for winter and 2% for spring semesters. Current total enrollment is over 17,000 campus-based students and an estimated 14,700 students living in Rexburg this semester. Source: BYU-Idaho

Bonneville County

  • Riverbend Management, Inc. has four new tenants opening businesses in their Idaho Falls commercial development: Marco’s Pizza, Stella’s Ice Cream, Soda Barn and Fit 1 Gym. Source: East Idaho News
  • The new Black Feather Apartments in Idaho Falls began leasing 156 units of affordable housing. Source: Post Register
  • The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cuttings and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Teton Auto Credit, Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and Idaho Trust Company. 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

Jefferson County

  • The 12,000-square-foot Hub in Rigby is opening with 11 commercial tenants, including Rigby’s Patty Shack, Lucy’s New York Style Pizza and Luxe Beauty Lounge. Source: East Idaho News
  • A new photography studio, Design DNA, opened in Rigby. Source: Jefferson Star
  • HMH Engineering opened a new location in Rigby. Source: Jefferson Star

Lemhi County

  • Idaho Cobalt Operations mining project is now owned by New JRV Topco Holdings, doing business as NewCo, after Jervois filed for bankruptcy. Source: Challis Messenger

Madison County

  • The Graze Café opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
  • Rexburg Chamber of Commerce announced the Altura Community Consulting & Business Finance groundbreaking and ribbon cuttings for Wind River Insurance, Curry Pizza and Executive Networking Referral Group. Source: Rexburg Chamber of Commerce
  • Rexburg City Council approved the purchase of five acres for a new $1.3 million police station. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal

Teton County

  • A new gym, Modular Training, opened in Victor.  The gym’s open house included a block party hosted by several neighboring businesses. Source: Jackson Hole News & Guide
  • Teton Valley Rotary donated $38,000 in scholarships to local high school seniors. Source: Teton Valley News

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

  • The past 14 years, housing demand has skyrocketed statewide, with Jefferson and Teton counties the only non-urban counties in the state to help meet this demand, with housing unit supply growth of over 25%. The most recent regional housing supply statistics are also true to this theme with year-over-year inventory increases in these same rural counties: 72% in Jefferson County and 75% in Teton County. The region’s only urban counties, Madison and Bonneville, reported an over-the-year housing inventory increase of 10% and 43%, respectively. Median home prices have mostly held steady from what they were a year ago, regionwide.
Figure 5.
Median price soldMay-25May-24Change
Bonneville$471,000$480,000-1.9%
Butte$307,450$227,25035.3%
Clark$342,000$240,00042.5%
Custer$570,000$618,700-7.9%
Fremont$705,000$671,0005.1%
Jefferson$488,000$597,000-18.3%
Lemhi$487,500$639,500-23.8%
Madison$499,450$449,70011.1%
Teton$895,000$921,000-2.8%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics
Figure 6.
Active listings (inventory)May-25May-24Change
Bonneville43630443.4%
Butte1316-18.8%
Clark21100.0%
Custer3237-13.5%
Fremont1131120.9%
Jefferson1156771.6%
Lemhi623959.0%
Madison999010.0%
Teton1498575.3%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 7.
Median days on marketMay-25May-24Change
Bonneville36339.1%
Butte4384-48.8%
Clark6124154.2%
Custer81127-36.2%
Fremont4854-11.1%
Jefferson45450.0%
Lemhi844778.7%
Madison4751-7.8%
Teton674936.7%
Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics#Colspan##Colspan##Colspan#
Figure 8.
Total homes pending saleMay-25May-24Change
Bonneville20017613.6%
Butte34-25.0%
Clark10100.0%
Custer550.0%
Fremont171330.8%
Jefferson4251-17.6%
Lemhi9728.6%
Madison402842.9%
Teton2779-65.8%
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, June 2025

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

Regional labor market information

  • Labor force estimates for May 2025 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics had total employment and total unemployment decreasing in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, May’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants decreasing by 87 people, with 70 less employed people and 17 less unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.5%, which decreased 0.2% from April 2025 and stayed the same in May 2024.
Figure 1.
Southeastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data
May-25 (P)Apr-25 (R)May-24 (B)
Civilian labor force87,61087,69786,414
Total employment84,57884,64883,269
Unemployment3,0323,0493,145
% of labor force unemployed3.5%3.7%3.5%
Source: Idaho Department of Labor
P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked
  • In May 2025 there were 1,591 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area, which increased 9% from the prior month at 1,460 and 5% over the year at 1,510. The median job posting duration was 29 days, which decreased two days from April and increased six days compared to May 2024.
Figure 2.
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
May-25
Postings,
May-24
Registered nurses7280
Retail salespersons5589
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers4142
Coaches and scouts385
Customer service representatives3337
Teaching assistants, except postsecondary326
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners286
Stockers and order fillers2619
Special education teachers, all other2510
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers2539
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho for May were health care, sales and transportation. Among specific occupations, top results included registered nurses (72), retail sales (55) and truck drivers (41). Job postings for coaches and scouts increased to 38 — a notable increase from five postings in 2024.
Figure 3.
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in southeastern IdahoPostings,
May-25
Postings,
May-24
General medical and surgical hospitals235174
Elementary and secondary schools810
College, universities and professional schools6368
Direct health and medical insurance carriers6258
Other general government support5881
Supermarkets and other grocery (except convenience) stores5140
Engineering services4010
Lessors of other real estate property3026
Frozen fruit, juice and vegetable manufacturing2717
Limited-service restaurants2719
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Health care, social assistance, retail, trade and education are at the top of broadly defined industries by unique online job postings in May. Education postings ranked higher than manufacturing in postings, which fell to fourth on the list of most unique job postings. The list includes general medical and surgical hospitals, frozen food manufacturing and elementary schools. Elementary and secondary schools also have 81 job postings, compared to last year when there was zero job postings.
Figure 4.
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in southeastern IdahoMedian duration,
May-25
Unique postings,
May-25
Industrial truck and tractor operators593
Mining and geological engineers, including mining safety engineers591
Shipping, receiving and inventory clerks582
First-line supervisors of landscaping, lawn service and groundskeeping workers581
Slaughteres and meat packers581
Machinists572
Postsecondary teachers558
Medical equipment preparers544
Interpreters and translators533
Adult basic education, adult secondary education and English as a second language instructors 531
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Based on the hiring challenges by median number of days an occupational job posting is listed, truck operators (59), mining engineers (59), inventory clerks (58) and groundskeeping supervisors (58) stood out. Of these top hardest-to-fill occupations, none of them were in the top 10 for most in demand. Postsecondary teachers had the most unique postings of the top in demand occupations at eight job postings.
Figure 5.
County housing data, May 2025Median listing priceMonth over month price changeMedian days on the marketActive listings
Bannock$429,9501.76%40293
Bear Lake$619,0002.48%7271
Bingham$454,9000.53%42146
Caribou$419,9008.08%6042
Franklin$485,000-4.43%4763
Oneida$393,7500.20%13222
Power$379,900-14.63%7423
Source: Realtor.com Economic Research
  • In May, Power County had a notable departure from its increasing price trend with a 15% decrease in listed median price. (Power County is already the lowest cost market in the region). Also during May, Bingham County saw a median price increase of 8% with a relatively sizeable 146 house inventory. Bannock County was the hottest market with a median of 40 days on the market and 293 active listings. The county with the longest median time on the market, was still Oneida County at 132 days, a decrease of 20 days from last month.

Regional news

Bannock County

  • A bowling tournament, Rally in the Alley, was held in Pocatello. $7,373 in proceeds was given to the Family Services Alliance of Southeast Idaho which provides support to victims of domestic abuse and exploitation. Source: KPVI News
  • The Pocatello City Council held a meeting to discuss a proposed South Fifth Avenue Area Wide Plan. This plan uses U.S. Environmental Protection Agency funds to invest in the region. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Demolition of parts of the Pine Ridge Mall began as a part of the process to convert it into an open-air shopping plaza. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Pocatello’s Gateway Transitional Care Center is undergoing a remodel for the addition of a vent and trach unit for those recovering from respiratory illness. This will be the first facility of its kind in the region. Source: KIFI News
  • Aid For Friends Shelter in Pocatello hosted their “Splish and Splash” fundraiser. The event partnered with Ross Park Aquatic Complex to raise money to keep their homeless shelter stocked and operational. The event aimed to raise $15,000 in donations. Source: KIFI News
  • Pocatello based SnapTight Products LLC has been invited to showcase their insulation products on the television show “Designing Spaces.” The program explores interior design and remodeling. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Construction began for a new bar and restaurant in Lava Hot Springs called Carol Cove. Source: KPVI News
  • Connections Credit Union implemented a mobile branch to better serve rural parts of southeast Idaho. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Greenacres Elementary School in Pocatello began construction for the East Oak Street Child Pedestrian Safety Improvements Project. This project was financed through a $250,000 grant from the Local Highway Technical Assistance Council appointed by the Idaho Legislature. Improvements include new asphalt in the parking lot, new sidewalks, curbs, gutters, bulb-outs, curb ramps and driveway access points. Source: East Idaho News
  • Valley Oil Company in Downey changed ownership as Terry and Michelle Jones retired after 41 years. Source East Idaho News
  • Budget Furniture, a new furniture warehouse store, opened in Pocatello. Source: Idaho State Journal

Bear Lake County

  • Bear Lake High School opened a new medical career course to introduce students to a variety of medical professions. The class has a schedule of two days in class and two days job shadowing at institutions like Bear Lake Memorial Hospital. Source: The News Examiner
  • Tandoori Bistro opened in St. Charles, serving Indian Chinese fusion dishes. Source: The News Examiner

Bingham County

  • Governor Brad Little visited the City of Shelley for the “Capital for a Day” event. Source: KPVI News
  • Blackfoot’s Jensen Grove Lake was at a 25-year water level low. Source: Idaho State Journal

Caribou County

  • Friends of the Soda Springs Park held a ceremony for the donors to the Maverik Caribou CommUNITY Playground. Donations amounting to $45,000 were raised by businesses and individuals to finance new shade covers for the playground equipment. The new shades will enhance the usability of park play equipment by shielding children from sun-related injuries, such as hot slides. Source: Idaho State Journal
  • Caribou Kids, a new day care, opened in Soda Springs. Caribou Medical Center backed the venture in an effort to alleviate the child care needs of their own employees and the broader community. Source: Idaho State Journal

Franklin County

  • The City of Preston has hired Brian Moss as the new class IV wastewater treatment operator at the Preston wastewater treatment plant. The plant is a level IV plant, meaning its complexity requires a level IV operator to run it as regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency. Source: The Preston Citizen

Onedia County

  • The Legrande Aqua Plunge began its 2025 season with new dressing room stalls, lighting, wall panels and a new pergola. The structure was donated by BC Timbers and Hess Lumber and the other improvements were obtained through a grant from the Idaho Community Foundation. Source: The Idaho Enterprise

Power County

  • A budget increase for the American Falls Rural Fire Department narrowly passed by a single vote. This initiative increased its levying capacity by $200,000. Source: KIFI News
  • Bingham Ag Services donated $7,300 in food to the Willow Bay Food Bank. The food bank serves 200 families every month. Source: KIFI 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 South Central Idaho: Economic activity, June 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, May-25Postings, May-24
Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers6638
Retail salespersons4645
Registered nurses4159
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers3828
Customer service representatives3322
Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand3323
Merchandise displayers and window trimmers3213
Maintenance and repair workers, general2114
Janitors and cleaners, except maids and housekeeping cleaners208
Stockers and order fillers1919
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
Figure 2
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in south central IdahoPostings, May-25Postings, May-24
Manufacturing205135
Health care and social assistance178179
Retail trade146153
Professional, scientific and technical services13136
Finance and insurance10525
Wholesale trade7557
Accommodation and food services7140
Educational services5722
Construction4860
Transportation and warehousing4616
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast
  • Finance and insurance, professional services, transportation and warehousing job postings increased 320%, 264% and 188% respectively over the year. Construction and retail trade decreased 20% and 5% respectively.
Figure 3
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in south central IdahoDays to fill, May-25Days to fill, May-24
Special education teachers, all other309
Secondary school teachers, except special and career/technical education30N/A
Human resources specialists30N/A
Database architects30N/A
Meter readers, utilities30N/A
Stockers and order fillers285
Airfield operations specialists25N/A
Industrial truck and tractor operators246
Architectural and civil drafters24N/A
Tank, car, truck and ship loaders23N/A
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast

Regional news

Blaine County

  • Ketchum City Council has approved a $2.5 million purchase of an 11-unit property to be used as deed-restricted workforce housing. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
  • Hailey nonprofit, Men’s Second Chance Living, has received $375,000 in grant funding to provide housing for men in addiction recovery. The grant funding will allow for an additional two-bedroom condominium.  Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Jerome County

  • Jerome County Jail on the main floor of the old courthouse, has been torn out and renovated to provide office space for the Department of Motor Vehicles and handicap bathrooms. An additional 15 new parking spaces will be added. The project will be complete in the next six weeks. Source: KMVT

Twin Falls County

  • Over $450,000 in donations have provided a new St. Lukes mobile health clinic. This mobile health clinic will help increase access to mammogram screenings, as Idaho is one of the states with the lowest rate of screenings. 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.