Regional news

Regional labor market information

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

Labor market indicators	Aug-26 (P)	Jul-26 (R)	Aug-25 (B)
Civilian labor force	132,776	131,442	134,902
Total employment	127,749	127,554	130,447
Unemployment	4,827	3,898	4,455
Percentage of labor force unemployed	3.6%	3.0%	3.3%
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine	P – Preliminary	R – Revised	B – Benchmarked

• Labor force estimates for August 2026 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have both total over-the-month employment and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, August preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 1,334 people, with 195 additional employed people and 929 additional unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region increased to 3.6% over the month and 0.3% greater than August 2025.

Figure 2. Eastern Idaho job postings

Job posting indicators	Aug-26	Aug-25
Unique postings	5,171	4,634
Days posted	22	25
Number of employers	2,119	1,982
Average hourly wage	$25.08	$22.95
Percentage of postings with advertised wage	41%	43%
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

• There were an estimated 5,171 job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for August 2026 (regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data). The number of postings is a 1% decrease from 5,236 the prior month and a 12% increase from August 2025.

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

Occupations	Postings, Aug-26	Postings, Aug-25
Registered Nurses	268	291
Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers	227	111
Retail Salespersons	139	175
Personal Care Aides	85	79
First-Line Supervisors of Retail Sales Workers	82	106
Customer Service Representatives	80	110
Driver/Sales Workers	75	50
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	65	41
Project Management Specialists	60	37
Maintenance and Repair Workers, General	60	58
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

• Driver/Sales Workers and Maintenance and Repair Workers, General replaced Merchandise Displayers and Window Trimmers and Laborers and Freight, Stock and Movers, Hand in the top 10 regional occupations by unique job postings for August. Employer hiring demand (based on quantity of job postings) increased over the month in occupations such as Registered Nurses, Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers and Personal Care Aides. Employer hiring demand decreased for Retail Salespersons and Customer Service Representatives.

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

Industries	Postings, Aug-26	Postings, Aug-25
Healthcare and Social Assistance	734	763
Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services	450	522
Retail Trade	423	539
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services	397	318
Manufacturing	251	278
Construction	229	218
Educational Services	210	265
Wholesale Trade	165	230
Finance and Insurance	128	129
Accommodation and Food Services	128	206
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

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

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

Occupations	Median duration (days), Aug-26	Unique postings, Aug-26
Physical Therapists	45	30
Medical and Health Service Managers	41	54
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products	33	65
Speech-Language Pathologists	32	26
Production, Planning and Expediting Clerks	31	29
Retail Salespersons	30	139
Nursing Assistants	30	54
Pharmacy Technicians	30	42
General and Operations Managers	30	30
Patient Representatives	30	38
Source: The Conference Board-Lightcast Help Wanted OnLine

• Hardest-to-fill occupations in the eastern Idaho region for August (by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings) included Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products, Medical and Health Service Managers and Retail Salespersons.   

• Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in August by occupational family were Healthcare Practitioners and Technical. All occupations added to the hardest-to-fill jobs list in August were new.

Regional news

• A $229,000 AI Innovation Award was granted to College of Eastern Idaho for their Building Critical AI Literacy in English, a two-year project training faculty. It is part of Accelerate Idaho: An AI-Powered Future for Teaching and Learning and funded by the U.S. Department of Education’s Fund for the Improvement of Postsecondary Education. Source: Idaho Business Review

• Antares, a nuclear microreactor startup, received a $161 million Strategic Breakthrough grant from the U.S. Space Force to develop nuclear power systems for space missions — the largest defense investment in space nuclear power in decades. Antares reached a major milestone at Idaho National Laboratory where its Mark-0 microreactor achieved initial criticality earlier this year. Antares’ Mark-1 reactor is set for operational testing in 2027 and aims to provide spacecraft with persistent, high-output power for advanced computing and maneuverability, vital for modern military satellites. The project aligns with U.S. policy goals to deploy nuclear power in space by 2028 and on the moon by 2030, as the first U.S. nuclear reactor in space since 1965. Source: Interesting Engineering

• The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Reactor Innovation Center at Idaho National Laboratory has selected 13 new projects — led by 12 companies — to join its Nuclear Energy Launch Pad initiative. This program gives nuclear technology developers prioritized access to DOE authorization pathways, regulatory expertise and technical support to help move their reactor and fuel cycle innovations from concept to commercialization. The initiative aims to strengthen the domestic nuclear fuel supply chain and accelerate deployment of advanced nuclear technologies. Source: Post Register

• Idaho National Laboratory developed FORESIGHT, an AI-powered tool that helps the Department of Energy and other stakeholders monitor, predict and manage disruptions in critical materials supply chains. By analyzing diverse data sources and simulating scenarios, FORESIGHT streamlines research, forecasts risks and price trends and enables more resilient, data-driven decision-making in a rapidly changing global environment. Source: Idaho Business Review

• SelectHealth Inc. awarded $35,000 in grants to community organizations across eastern Idaho to support initiatives such as food access, mentorship, education, disability services and preventative health. Award recipients included Friends of the Children, Global Community Partners, Idaho Hispanic Foundation, Lutheran Community Services Northwest – Safe Families, Toby’s Place, Unlimited Potential Athletics and the Upper Valley Child Advocacy Center. Source: Idaho Business Review

• For the second consecutive year, eastern Idaho hosted the 45th FIPS-Mouche World Fly Fishing Championship, with over 100 anglers from 21 countries on local rivers and lakes, including Henry’s Fork and Teton River. Source: East Idaho News

• Yellowstone National Park recorded nearly 3.5 million recreation visits this year to date, a 1.6% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. August visitation also decreased about 3% year-over-year. The west entrance continues to be the busiest gateway, accounting for about 43% of recreational automobile entries year to date. Source: Local News 8

• The housing market in eastern Idaho is shifting differently in each county. Some counties saw home prices decrease, like Bonneville and Clark. Custer, Lemhi, Madison and Teton all had price increases, with Teton increasing the most at 26%. This suggests a hot, high‑demand market in these counties. Days to sell also changed in different ways. Bonneville and Clark improved, with homes selling faster. But several counties like Fremont, Madison and Teton saw homes take longer to sell. Inventory — the number of homes for sale — also shifted. Bonneville and Madison gained more listings, giving buyers more options. But Custer, Lemhi and Jefferson saw inventory decreases, with Custer decreasing by half. As inventory drops in counties that also have rising prices, it usually means homes are harder to find and demand is still strong. Pending sales — homes under contract — also showed some variation. Bonneville decreased about 10%, showing fewer homes going under contract. Fremont saw pending sales increase. Overall, the housing market across eastern Idaho isn’t necessarily trending in one direction. Source: Realtor.com Inventory Core Metrics

Bonneville County

• The Idaho Innovation Center is relocating to the former Melaleuca headquarters in Idaho Falls. Businesses graduating from the center’s incubation and growth programs have a five-year survival rate of 86%, above the national average. The move includes plans for transferring its commercial kitchen and an upcoming major rebrand to be announced in October. Source: LocalNews8

• The Idaho Falls Family YMCA held a ribbon-cutting for renovations at their Ammon Indoor Sports Arena. The YMCA’s next goal is to raise $90,000 for an upgraded heating, ventilation and air conditioning system for year-round climate control. Amenities like new turf represent ongoing development of the arena and are expected to increase opportunities for youth sports, recreation, training and other YMCA programs. Source: LocalNews8

• Hope Lutheran Church in Idaho Falls has completed its new 8,700-square-foot school building. The $3 million project was funded entirely by donations and serves preschool through eighth grade. Source: East Idaho News

Custer County

• Challis city park is undergoing two major construction projects: an expansion of the pavilion, expected to be completed this month, and the installation of new pickleball and basketball courts. The sports courts are funded primarily by a state grant and set for completion by next summer. The pavilion project is supported by a grant from Centerra Gold’s Thompson Creek Mine. The grant will allow farmers market vendors to use the expanded space before the market season ends in October. Source: The Challis Messenger

• Centerra Gold Inc., a Canadian mining company, agreed to cover all costs to complete the connection of a new well to the Challis city water system by the end of 2027 in exchange for the city not having to seek grant funding for the project. The water project aims to support new housing developments and meet city water needs. Source: The Challis Messenger

• The annual Sawtooth Salmon Festival in Stanley featured outdoor events focused on salmon education, habitat and migration. Activities included film screenings, fish demonstrations, guided tours, art and performances by the Shoshone Bannock Tribe. The festival also featured food, vendor booths and live music. Source: The Challis Messenger

Jefferson County

• West Jefferson High School received a $30,000 grant from the Idaho National Laboratory’s Innovations in STEM Grant to support projects in coding, robotics, engineering, digital media and more. The grant will fund equipment like 3D printers and robotics kits. Additionally, the school earned a $5,000 Program Quality Initiative grant from the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education for outstanding performance in the program, with all participating students passing their assessments. The school is also expanding educational options, now offering traditional, hybrid and fully online learning models. Source: The Jefferson Star

• Sixty-six acres of agricultural zone land (A-10) adjacent to the town of Mud Lake has been changed to a high density residential zoning (R-1) by the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners. Source: The Jefferson Star

• The Eastern Idaho Flying Club in Rigby launched a new youth flight training program for ages 11 – 15. The club has over 50 members and three airplanes, offering monthly group lessons, field trips and ride-alongs. All flight hours count toward Federal Aviation Administration pilot license requirements. Source: East Idaho News

Lemhi County

• The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Forest Service have expanded their partnership with two new Good Neighbor Authority recreation agreements, enabled by the EXPLORE Act of 2025. These agreements will fund trail maintenance, restore access and enhance outdoor recreation across Idaho’s national forests. Projects include clearing and maintaining 542 miles of trails affected by wildfire and other hazards in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. The collaboration aims to improve access, stewardship and recreation infrastructure for Idaho residents and visitors, with projects set to begin in 2026. Source: Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation

• The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, with the help of volunteers, completed the Winnemucca Trail Bridge project in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. In addition to building a new bridge, the project entailed trail restoration, kiosk installation and improving access and safety for users. Source: KTVB7

• The U.S. Department of Energy is granting $500 million to seven companies developing domestic projects for lithium, cobalt and other minerals and batteries. Among the recipients, Jervois, which oversees a major cobalt deposit in Lemhi County, will receive $100 million to construct the nation’s only cobalt refinery for bioproducts used in batteries, electronics and various weapons systems. Source: The Spokesman-Review

• American Tungsten announced a new mineral resource estimate for its Ima Tungsten Mine near Patterson. The estimate confirms the presence of a high-grade tungsten system with significant scale and growth potential. The company plans to expand and upgrade the resource and continue technical studies to assess the mine’s economic potential. The mine, which operated from the early 1900s until 1958, has produced over 700,000 tons of minerals and is seen as a significant source of tungsten — a critical mineral for technology, energy and defense industries. Source: The Challis Messenger

Madison County

• After a bond for a new police station failed, Rexburg officials are now considering other options for upgrading police facilities, with a preference for remodeling the current city hall into a new police station and building a smaller city hall elsewhere. This plan would provide more space for the growing police force and is estimated to cost up to $14.5 million, making it the most financially viable option. No final decision has been made as the city council will evaluate the proposal. Source: LocalNews8

Teton County

• The National Parks Baseball Resort, a large-scale youth baseball complex planned near Tetonia, aims to create a tournament and resort experience for 13-year-old players and their families. Set on 190 acres with an eventual 18 fields named after national parks, the resort would offer housing, meals and ball games with custom team mascots and jerseys. While the project has already sold out its first season of registration, it still awaits city annexation, permits and construction approvals. Organizers plan to add shared sports facilities for local use. Source: Post Register

• The Teton County Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a new rule allowing longtime landowners to split off up to four parcels for close family without a full subdivision review. Earlier restrictions like resale limits and holding periods were removed. Parcels must comply with zoning and be in family ownership for at least 10 years. Source: The Valley Signal

• Women pilots and aviation enthusiasts from the northwest gathered in Driggs, ID for the 2026 Northwest Section Ninety-Nines Fall Meeting, overcoming last-minute runway closures at Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport. The event featured presentations, emergency preparedness workshops and scholarship awards for aspiring female pilots. Source: Teton Valley News

• The Driggs-Reed Memorial Airport runway reopened ahead of schedule after being shortened since June due to a failed irrigation line beneath the pavement. The project was funded mostly from the airport’s emergency fund with help from the Idaho Department of Aeronautics. The closure resulted in an estimated $60,000 decrease in landing-fee revenue as only smaller planes could use the airport over the summer. Source: Teton Valley News

• The Driggs City Council approved the 180-unit Corona Valley subdivision, pending final approval on conditions such as school and sheriff’s office contributions from the developer. Source: The Valley Signal

• A 2025 Idaho law allows fire districts to withdraw from urban renewal districts and claim their share of tax revenue. Teton County Fire & Rescue and Victor’s Urban Renewal Agency negotiated a first-of-its-kind agreement, as a result. The fire district agreed not to withdraw, in exchange for $270,000 towards a new fire engine. The agency will pay its share over four years, aligning with the district’s coverage area. This agreement helps prevent financial disruption for urban renewal projects, yet mutually helps the fire district replace aging equipment. Source: The Valley Signal

Regional openings

• 3 B’s Varsity, a custom apparel and memorabilia retailer, opened in Idaho Falls.

• A new event venue, The Poppy Collective, opened in downtown Idaho Falls in the old Bonneville Hotel.

• Hamblin RV Roof, a motorhome and camper repair business, opened in Idaho Falls.

• The Little Play Hut Pre-school & Daycare opened in Idaho Falls.

• El Cantaro, a Mexican restaurant, opened in Idaho Falls.

• Claw Queen Amusements, a mobile arcade, opened in Idaho Falls.

• A new grocery store, WinCo Foods, is opening in Rexburg.

• Squealers Fun Park in Rigby re-opened after five years. The park offers a miniature golf course, go-karts and more.

• Teton Tote Rental opened in Rigby

• A new 24/7 women’s fitness and wellness gym, The Vibe, opened in Rigby.

• Elevated Backyard Living, a new spa retailer, opened in Ammon.

• A new pet grooming establishment, Jess’s Pampered Pups, opened in Driggs.

• The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cuttings at Life, A Center for Independent Living; KidsUnited; Vern’s RadioShack; Terrace Gate Condominiums; Oswald Service and  Repair; YMCA Indoor Sports Arena; Elevated Backyard Living; The Little Play Hut Preschool and Daycare and Zerorez Carpet Cleaning.

• Rexburg Area Chamber of Commerce held ribbon cuttings at Twisted Sugar, America First Credit Union, Trofi restaurant, Altura Business Community Consulting & Business Finance, 8peax Recovery, Tropical Smoothie Café, Alliance Title & Escrow, Yellowstone Teton Territory and The Summit at Rexburg.

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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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