Regional news

Regional labor market information

Figure 1. Eastern Idaho labor market indicators (seasonally adjusted data)

Labor market indicators	Sep-26 (P)	Aug-26 (R)	Sep-25 (B)
Civilian labor force	132,648	132,338	135,153
Total employment	127,954	127,508	130,636
Unemployment	4,694	4,830	4,517
Percentage of labor force unemployed	3.5%	3.6%	3.3%
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine	P – Preliminary	R – Revised	B – Benchmarked

• Labor force estimates for September 2026 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have both total over-the-month employment increasing and unemployment decreasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, September preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 310 people, with 446 additional employed people and 136 fewer unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region decreased to 3.5% over the month and 0.2% greater than September 2025.

Figure 2. Eastern Idaho job postings

Job posting indicators	Sep-26	Sep-25
Unique postings	5,962	4,558
Days posted	31	26
Number of employers	1,278	1,098
Average hourly wage	$24.43	$24.06
Percentage of postings with advertised wage	41%	43%
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

• There were an estimated 5,962 job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for September 2026 (regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data). The number of postings is a 15% increase from 5,171 the prior month and a 31% increase from September 2025.

Figure 3. Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho

Occupations	Postings, Sep-26	Postings, Sep-25
Registered Nurses	362	349
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	285	122
Retail Salespersons	186	147
Personal Care Aides	114	67
Customer Service Representatives	102	105
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers	93	97
Driver/Sales Workers	90	52
Nursing Assistants	78	40
Medical and Health Services Managers	68	30
Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers, Hand	64	62
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

• Nursing Assistants; Medical and Health Services Managers; and Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers, Hand replaced Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products; Project Management Specialists; and Maintenance and Repair Workers, General in the top 10 regional occupations by unique job postings for September. Employer hiring demand (based on quantity of job postings) increased over the month in all occupations, especially Registered Nurses, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers, Retail Salespersons and Personal Care Aides.

Figure 4. Top 10 industries by unique job postings in eastern Idaho

Industries	Postings, Sep-26	Postings, Sep-25
Healthcare and Social Assistance	891	805
Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services	514	517
Retail Trade	485	510
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services	397	329
Manufacturing	318	290
Construction	267	215
Educational Services	213	236
Wholesale Trade	178	199
Accommodation and Food Services	168	233
Transportation and Warehousing	166	89
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

• There was no change in the top five regional industries in September by quantity of job postings. Hiring demand based on total unique job postings increased in all industries, except Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.   

Figure 5. Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho

Occupations	Median duration (days), Sep-26	Unique postings, Sep-26
Cooks, Restaurant	58	28
Secretaries and Administrative Assistants, except Legal, Medical and Executive	49	42
Receptionists and Information Clerks	48	40
Nursing Assistants	48	78
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurses	45	37
Personal Care Aides	39	114
Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners	39	63
Speech-Language Pathologists	39	35
Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers, Hand	37	64
Construction Managers	37	47
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

• Hardest-to-fill occupations in the eastern Idaho region for September (by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings) included Nursing Assistants; Personal Care Aides; as well as Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers, Hand.   

• Hardest-to-fill job postings in September by occupational family were Healthcare Practitioners and Technical; Healthcare Support; as well as Office and Administrative Support. All occupations added to the hardest-to-fill jobs list in September were new.

Regional news

• Swire Coca-Cola, USA is building a 93,000-square-foot distribution center south of Idaho Falls, consolidating operations from aging facilities in Pocatello and Idaho Falls. The plant, expected to be completed in 2027, will feature a warehouse, fleet shop and technician service space. Swire Coca-Cola employs over 800 people in Idaho and reportedly contributes $349 million to the state’s economy. Source: East Idaho News

• Deployable Energy, based in Houston, TX was selected by the Department of Energy’s National Reactor Innovation Center to test its Nuclear Unity Battery — a transportable microreactor — at the DOME testbed at Idaho National Laboratory in 2027. This full-power test aims to evaluate the system’s performance, safety and operational procedures, advancing nuclear technology toward commercialization. DOME opened in April 2026 and is the world’s first microreactor test bed for fueled experiments. Deployable Energy is the second company to use DOME. Source: LocalNews8

• The Department of Energy (DOE) MARVEL microreactor at Idaho National Laboratory has reached key milestones, including delivery of its primary coolant system and final DOE safety approval for initial dry criticality tests. The reactor is on track for startup testing this winter, aiming for full criticality by December. These steps advance the deployment of next-generation nuclear technology for energy security and innovation. Source: Idaho National Laboratory

• There is a new radio station in the region based in Idaho Falls. The GOAT 105, a sports station, features syndicated programs like The Jim Rome Show and live coverage of the Utah Jazz, Denver Broncos, Utah Mammoth, Super Bowl and March Madness. Local high school match-ups will also be covered, with plans for live play-by-play in the future. Source: East Idaho News

• Yellowstone National Park saw over 868,000 recreation visits in September, a 3% increase since September 2025 and higher than August. September 2021 remains the busiest on record. Year-to-date park visits decreased 1% from 2025 and 3% below 2021’s record-breaking pace. Most park roads close to vehicles Nov. 1, with only the north to northeast entrance road remaining open all year. Source: Buckrail

• Parking rates at Idaho Falls Regional Airport have increased. The airport has also introduced new parking along International Way, with a cell phone waiting lot in development. Source: LocalNews8

• Eastern Idaho’s housing market shows a blend of cooling and acceleration. Bonneville, the largest market, saw both median prices and days on market decrease. This suggests softening demand, but faster sales turnaround. Meanwhile, Butte and Fremont moved in the opposite direction, posting rising days on market. This signals that buyers there may be slowing or becoming more selective even as pricing trends differ. At the same time, several counties continue to show notable price strength despite mixed demand signals. Custer, Lemhi, Madison and Teton all recorded selling price increases, with Teton’s surge reinforcing its status as a high‑amenity destination — attracting premium buyers. Yet increased days on the market in Teton and Madison suggest that even these fast‑appreciating counties are cooling in terms of buyer urgency. Jefferson and Custer both saw inventories decrease significantly, which helps explain robust home pricing even when buyer activity is not. Source: Realtor.com Inventory Core Metrics

Bonneville County

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) awarded $86.6 million to support the specialty crop industry through the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. The program funds innovative projects designed to enhance the competitiveness of specialty crops. The University of Idaho in Idaho Falls has received $141,000 to evaluate cultural and biological control methods for managing potato viruses among seed potato growers. Source: USDA

• Greater Idaho Falls Transit (GIFT), an on-demand public transportation service, is expanding into Ammon. The service extension adds access to major retailers and medical facilities that were previously outside GIFT’s reach. GIFT has been a resource for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities since its 2022 launch. Source: LocalNews8

Butte County

• The Bureau of Land Management has closed a portion of the road leading to the top of Big Southern Butte due to flood damage on the road. Source: LocalNews8

Custer County

• The Challis Messenger, Idaho’s second-longest continuously printed newspaper, established in 1881, was bought out by the Recorder Herald in Salmon. Source: The Challis Messenger

Fremont County

• The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has awarded the city of Island Park a $1.4 million loan to identify and replace lead service lines in its drinking water system. The loan, funded through the 2021 federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, is estimated by state officials to save Island Park and its taxpayers about $2.4 million compared with typical municipal debt. Source: Idaho Capital Sun

• The North Fremont Fire Department received nearly $45,000 in grants, including funds from the PacifiCorp Foundation, to support local emergency services. A major project is the new medical helipad in Ashton. Additional grants from the National Council for Agricultural Education and Valley Wide Corporation are helping purchase personal protective equipment for grain entrapment rescues. The department has also used $80,000 in additional grant funds for essential gear and equipment. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal

• Through a conservation easement with Teton Regional Land Trust, Flying A Ranch near Ashton has secured permanent protection for 1,700 acres. This multigenerational ranch, operating since 1901 and known for its seed potato business, safeguards farmland and a wildlife migration corridor. Source: Teton Valley News

Jefferson County

• Central Fire District has newly launched advanced life support (ALS) ambulance services, introducing two fully equipped ALS ambulances to its emergency response system. ALS ambulances enable advanced airway management, cardiac assistance, a broader range of medications and on-scene treatment for life-threatening emergencies. Source: LocalNews8

Lemhi County

• A hands-on 4-H class offered by University of Idaho Extension at FernWaters Public Charter School in Salmon includes cooking, sewing, rocketry and circuits. Introduced during a teacher shortage, the experiential class has become an elective. One student launched his own successful cookie business, Kyle’s Cookie Co., from the culinary training received. Source: Intermountain Farm & Ranch

Madison County

• The U.S. Treasury has certified Idaho’s Opportunity Zone 2.0 program, designating nine new rural and 16 urban low-income census tracts for investment, including Rexburg. Starting in 2027 the program will enable Qualified Opportunity Funds to support local projects, aiming to attract private capital, create jobs and drive economic growth. Source: Idaho Business Review

• Gem Prep charter school began construction in Rexburg. The school is scheduled to open in August 2027 for grades K-9. The school is planning to expand  to K-12 by 2031. Charter schools like Gem Prep receive private funding and use a lottery system for enrollment. Source: LocalNews8

• Rexburg Soup Kitchen received a $25,000 grant from Grifols, a biopharmaceutical company. Source: East Idaho News

Teton County

• Teton County commissioners approved plans to redevelop the historic Spud Drive-In, paving the way for a larger venue. The new project will cover nearly nine acres — double the original size — and feature a new 56-foot screen, 200 parking stalls, restaurant, bar and 10 campsites. Construction starts this fall, with movie showings targeted for August 2027 and the restaurant opening in June 2028. Source: Jackson Hole News & Guide

• The Teton Valley Parks and Recreation District is evaluating a plan to build a publicly owned indoor climbing gym in Driggs. A volunteer advisory committee, working with a $350,000 budget, has gathered community input and assessed vendor bids. If approved by both the district board and Driggs City Council, the facility could be completed by spring 2027. Source: Teton Valley News

• The Victor City Council approved two public-access easements, legally connecting the A.J. Linnell Memorial Trail to adjacent federal Bureau of Land Management land. The approval enables easier access to thousands of acres of public land for recreation and is part of broader plans for an eight-mile nonmotorized loop and expanded public access. Source: East Idaho News

• A new independent high school, Teton West Experiential School, is opening in Driggs. The school will offer a project-driven curriculum focused on real-world relevance, outdoor experiences and college preparation. The pilot, starting as early as next year, will serve grades 7th to 10th, with plans to expand to a full high school by 2027. Tuition will be charged and financial aid will be accessible. Source: Teton Valley News

• Smash Recreation Center indoor batting cages and soccer field is opening in Driggs, pending approval of building and fire codes, building permit and certificate of occupancy. Source: The Valley Signal

• The Driggs Urban Renewal Agency board approved a new downtown urban renewal district, which would close the existing Main St. district early in 2027. The new district covers about 71 acres and is expected to generate at least $1 million in tax-increment revenue over 20 years. The decision now moves to the Driggs City Council for further consideration. Source: The Valley Signal

Regional openings

• Flo Pilates opened a new studio in Idaho Falls.

• Raising Caines Chicken Fingers is opening a restaurant in Idaho Falls.

• A new retail novelty store opened in Idaho Falls. POPfusion sells collectibles, games, cross-stitching supplies and more.

• Beans & Brews Coffee House is opening in Idaho Falls.

• A new dessert shop, Chocolate Plunge, opened in Idaho Falls.

• 12 Performance , a speed and strength agility training gym for student athletes, is opening in Idaho Falls. The 10,000-square-foot center will include an indoor turf area,  hardwood court, batting cages and more.

• A new retailer of décor, Santa’s Magical Lights, opened in Idaho Falls. It will remain open annually, from April to January.

• A new restaurant, Dave’s Hot Chicken, is opening in Ammon.

• Utah-based soda shop, Swig, is opening in Ammon.

• Element by Marriott hotel and a Circle K convenience store are opening in Driggs.

• Smallwood event barn is opening on an 80-acre farm in Driggs.

• Mamoru Martial Arts studio opened in Rexburg.

• Earth • Air •Water •Fire, a new health and wellness studio, is opening in St. Anthony.

• The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cuttings at La Estrellita CCI MSHS Center, Raising Caines Chicken Fingers, Bumble Bee Laundry, Bengal Success Center – Idaho State University, Idaho Falls Downtown Development Corporation, C+H Construction and Greater Idaho Falls Transit.  

• Rexburg Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cuttings at, David O. McKay Library, Spaws Grooming & Daycare, Ivory Lane Bridal, Mountain West Urology and Kainoa’s Hawaiian Grill.

Regional closings

• The Challis Messenger newspaper and office have closed after 145 years of operation. It has been purchased by the Recorder-Herald, a print-only newspaper in Salmon.

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This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY27 as part of the Workforce Information grant (55%) and state/nonfederal funds (45%) totaling $649,127.

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