News
Regional labor market information
Figure 1 denotes labor force estimates from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) had total employment decreasing and total unemployment increasing in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, September’s preliminary estimates had labor force participants decreasing by 782 people, with 819 fewer employed and 37 more unemployed. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.5%, the same as August 2024 and 0.4 percentage points higher than September 2023.
Figure 1.Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P - Preliminary, | R - Revised, | B - Benchmark |
|---|---|---|---|
Southeastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data | Sep-24 (P) | Aug-24 (R) | Sep-23 (B) |
| Civilian labor force | 90,282 | 91,064 | 88,378 |
| Total employment | 87,092 | 87,911 | 85,620 |
| Unemployment | 3,190 | 3,153 | 2,758 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.5% | 3.5% | 3.1% |
There were 617 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area in September, up 10% from the prior month at 559, but down 14% over the year at 717. The median job posting duration was 12 days, down one day from August and up three days from September 2023. Looking at Figure 2, top occupational families by unique online job postings were health care, sales and retail, office administrative support and transportation. Among specific occupations, retail salespersons were at the top of the list with 36 postings, while nursing assistants were at the bottom with 9.
Figure 2.| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in southeastern Idaho, September 2024 | Postings, Sep-24 | Postings, Sep-23 |
|---|---|---|
| Retail salespersons | 36 | 20 |
| Registered nurses | 32 | 35 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 17 | 9 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 16 | 18 |
| Licensed practical and licensed vocational nurses | 13 | 11 |
| Secretaries, administrative assistants, except legal, medical and executive | 10 | 10 |
| Customer service representatives | 10 | 14 |
| Home health and personal care aides | 9 | 12 |
| Nursing assistants | 9 | 9 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast. Data is not seasonally adjusted | ||
As seen in Figure 3, health care and social assistance, retail, manufacturing, public administration and educational services were at the top of broadly defined industries by unique online job postings in September. Looking at specific industries, there were large year-over-year increases; up 83% for gas stations with convenience stores, 127% for colleges and 120% for clothing accessory retailers.
Figure 3.| Top 10 industries by unique job postings in southeastern Idaho, September 2024 | Postings, Sep-24 | Postings, Sep-23 |
|---|---|---|
| General medical and surgical hospitals | 96 | 73 |
| Colleges, universities and professional schools | 25 | 11 |
| Other general government support | 22 | 27 |
| Commercial and institutional building construction | 17 | 15 |
| Department stores | 16 | 19 |
| Direct health and medical insurance carriers | 16 | 14 |
| Frozen fruit, juice and vegetable manufacturing | 12 | 15 |
| Gasoline stations with convenience stores | 11 | 6 |
| Clothing and clothing accessories retailers | 11 | 5 |
| Elementary and secondary schools | 11 | 52 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast. Data is not seasonally adjusted. | ||
Figure 4 highlights industries that stood out in September for the median number of days an occupational job posting is listed. Stockers had the greatest duration with 21 days, followed by social service assistance with 20 days, inventory clerks with 19 days, and both human resources and biological scientists with 18 days each. Meanwhile, heavy and tractor-trailer truck driving was the top job for number of unique postings.
Figure 4.| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in southeastern Idaho, September 2024 | Median duration, Sep-24 | Unique postings, Sep-24 |
|---|---|---|
| Stockers and order fillers | 21 | 4 |
| Social and human service assistants | 20 | 2 |
| Shipping, receiving and inventory clerks | 19 | 3 |
| Human resource assistants, except payroll and timekeeping | 18 | 1 |
| Biological scientists, all other | 18 | 1 |
| Dining room and cafeteria attendants and bartender helpers | 17 | 1 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 16 | 17 |
| Maids and housekeeping cleaners | 16 | 7 |
| Mobile heavy equipment mechanics, except engines | 16 | 2 |
| Cashiers | 15 | 7 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast. Data is not seasonally adjusted. | ||
Regional news
- The Fort Hall Fire Department hosted a groundbreaking for its new fire station. Source: Sho-Ban News
- Idaho firefighters battled three fires in Fort Hall, Bear Lake and Caribou counties. While there weren’t any evacuations, the fire risked damaging power lines and cell phone towers. Source: Idaho State Journal
Bannock County
- The National Institutes of Health awarded a $1.7 million grant to Idaho State University (ISU) to assist first-generation and low-income students. ISU has received over $18 million in donations in the 2024 fiscal year. Source: Idaho Business Review, KIFI News
- Tutor.com partnered with the Portneuf District Library in Pocatello to provide free tutoring for library card holders. Source: KIFI News
- The Portneuf Medical Center restored its air conditioning after a 10-day outage. After securing over 200 fans and 60 portable air conditioning units, only a few surgeries required rescheduling. Source: Idaho State Journal and East Idaho News
- The city of Chubbuck held its annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Source: Idaho State Journal
- The Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency, M&M Contracting and Franklin Building Supply provided a new roof to a local Pocatello resident in need. Source: Idaho State Journal.
- The Pocatello City Council voted to approve Pocatello’s new tagline “The One and Only” and logo. Additionally, the city contracted HUB Collective to prepare a new style guide for use with nametags, vehicles, building signs and other official media. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Pocatello held its annual ghost tour to showcase the city’s Historic Downtown as well as raise funds for projects. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Pocatello became the first city in Idaho to receive Google Fiber service, giving residents another choice of internet provider. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Bannock County allocated $1 million for a fairgrounds exhibit hall in Downey, as well as $2 million for the creation of the Bannock County Youth Development Center. These funds are part of the COVID-19 pandemic’s American Rescue Plan Act, which has provided $17 million to the county. Source: Idaho State Journal
- In September, Bannock County median home prices remained stable compared to last month, decreasing 2% year-over-year to $411,200. Listing prices for 331 homes in inventory went up and spent a median of 64 days on the market. Source: Realtor.com
- Business openings in the county include a trading card shop, Cardatello, Fifth Street Bagelry and a medieval weapons and armor shop, Swords and Sorcery.
Bear Lake County
- Bear Lake High School hosted its annual bonfire, a Student Life Committee initiative aimed at fostering a sense of belonging among students. Source: The News Examiner
- In September, Bear Lake County median home listing prices decreased 4% from last month but increased 33% year-over-year to $617,200. Listing prices for 72 homes in inventory dropped 3% and spent a median of 106 days on the market. Source: Realtor.com
- Big Chubbs, a new catering business, opened in the city of Montpelier. Source: Idaho State Journal
Bingham County
- A fire burned 100 acres of farm and grassland south of Blackfoot on the Fort Hall Reservation. Source: KIFI News
- Aberdeen City Council awarded a $17.26 million construction bid to Star for a new water treatment plant. Source: The Aberdeen Times
- Glanbia Nutritionals donated 40 pounds of cheese to the Blackfoot Community Pantry and Outreach, valuing at $25,000. Source: Idaho State Journal
- Shelley opened a new veteran’s monument to replace an older damaged one. Source: KPVI News
- Blackfoot Blackhawk BBQ Pit was ranked 57th in the top 250 barbecue restaurants across the country by BetUs analytics, based on Google reviews. Source: Idaho State Journal
- In September, Bingham County median home listing prices decreased 1% from last month and 6% year-over-year to $444,500. Listing prices for 110 homes in inventory dropped 7% and spent a median of 64 days on the market. Source: Realtor.com
- Cut N Run Hair Co. opened in Blackfoot. Source: Idaho State Journal
Caribou County
- The Soda Springs school board put a $50 million bond on the ballot to rebuild the high school citing problems with heating, ventilation and air conditioning, a cracked foundation, an unsafe parking lot and dated outdoor modular classrooms. Source: The News Examiner
- In September, Caribou County median home listing prices decreased 1% from last month but increased 20% year-over-year to $347,450. Listing prices for 37 homes in inventory remained steady and spent a median of 73 days on the market. Source: Realtor.com
Franklin County
- Preston City Council approved a project to improve the Preston Airport. Additionally, the council approved measures to rezone three parcels to allow more affordable housing units. Source: The Preston Citizen
- In September, Franklin County median home listing prices increased 4% from last month and 4% year-over-year to $514,000. Listing prices for 53 homes in inventory dropped 4% and spent a median of 73 days on the market. Source: Realtor.com
Oneida County
- Oneida Stake Academy received funding from the Delores Dore Eccles Foundation, Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation, Laura Cunnigham Moore Foundation and Stokes Market to install a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system and new gutters in the historical building. Source: The Preston Citizen
- In September, Oneida County median home listing prices decreased 18% from last month but increased 37% year-over-year to $422,450. Listing prices for 25 homes in inventory dropped 2% and spent a median of 58 days on the market. Source: Realtor.com
- Valley View Counseling opened in the city of Malad. Source: The Idaho Enterprise
Power County
- In September, Power County median home listing prices increased 3% from last month and decreased 15% year-over-year to $389,000. Listing prices for 22 homes in inventory went up 13% and spent a median of 62 days on the market. Source: Realtor.com
Southeastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – September 2023 and 2024
| County | Median listing price | Month over month price change | Median days on the market | Pending sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | $411,200 | 0.0032 | 64 | 118 |
| Bear Lake | $617,200 | -0.0348 | 106 | 12 |
| Bingham | $444,500 | -0.012 | 64 | 51 |
| Caribou | $347,450 | -0.0073 | 73 | 11 |
| Franklin | $514,000 | 0.04 | 73 | 20 |
| Oneida | $422,450 | 0.1767 | 58 | 6 |
| Power | $389,000 | 0.0318 | 62 | 9 |
| Source: Realtor.com | ||||
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.
Regional news
- Troy Insurance Agency, with locations in Lewiston and Moscow, has entered into a partnership to collaborate with Leavitt Group. Leavitt currently operates in 11 offices in Idaho, including Leavitt Inland Pacific Insurance Services in Moscow. Source: Leavitt Group
Clearwater County
- Clearwater Valley Veterinary Clinic has announced plans to close the business to the public at the end of 2024 due to owner retirement. Source: Clearwater Tribune
- Material Girls quilt shop has opened their new location in the former Sears building in Orofino. Source: Clearwater Tribune
- Senator Jim Risch named Innovative Electric Services of Orofino as Idaho’s Small Business of the Month for October. Source: KOZE
Idaho County
- Salmon River Joint School District is experiencing the highest K-12 enrollment of the past decade with over 170 students district wide. The growth is coming from a mixture of residents migrating to the area as well as some formerly homeschooled students returning. Source: Idaho County Free Press
- Killgore Adventures has opened Kirby Creek Lodge outside of Riggins. Accessible only by boat, the lodge boasts six guest rooms and an on-site chef. Source: Killgore Adventures
Latah County
- The city of Bovill completed the 2024 Community Health Academy and will receive a $20,000 grant towards a health and wellness project within the community. Source: Blue Cross of Idaho Foundation for Health
- The Garden Community School in Potlatch has announced plans to open a second child care location in Moscow in November 2024. Source: The Garden Community School
- Lombard Conrad Architects, of Boise, has been hired to study the feasibility of a new elementary school on city-owned land in south Moscow. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- Latah County Jail has recently been found to be outside of state code for fire sprinklers, electrical systems and door size. The county commissioners have asked the Latah County Sheriff to prepare cost estimates and decide how to proceed. Source: Pullman Radio
- Red Star Coffee Company received approval from the Idaho State Board of Education to build a drive-through coffee hut in a current parking lot managed by the University of Idaho. The company will next seek approval by the city of Moscow. Source: Lewiston Tribune
Nez Perce County
- Lewis-Clark State College (LCSC) was awarded a $940,000 five-year SPARC grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The SPARC program will be run in partnership with the Lewiston School District and teach students with disabilities, ages 18-21, skills such as independence, employment and success. Students will attend an academic program each morning and train at worksites in the afternoon. Funding includes the hiring of a new employment coordinator. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
- LCSC has partnered with Idaho State University (ISU) to offer ISU’s accredited paramedic education program on LCSC’s campus. ISU offers a four-semester paramedic science certificate or associate’s degree. LCSC and ISU are active partners for educating pharmacy students, physician assistants and a master of science in athletic training for LCSC students. Source: Lewiston Tribune
- LCSC has completed final requirements of the Prison Education Program (PEP) to become the first Idaho institution to receive approval by the U.S. Department of Education. The completion allows its 130 incarcerated students throughout Idaho to be eligible for Pell Grants. LCSC is one of 11 approved PEP programs in the nation and is one of only three, offering both associate’s and bachelor’s degrees. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
- Joseph Regional Medical Center was designated as a Level II Stroke Center by Idaho’s Time Sensitive Emergency System. Source: St. Joseph Regional Medical Center
Openings
- Tabby’s, coffee shop and bubble waffles food truck, Orofino.
- Style Revival, consignment clothing, Lewiston.
- Renewed Spaces Cleaning, Lewiston.
- Salty Soirees, event coordinator, Lewiston.
- Wolf Meadows, wedding venue, Helmer.
- Hopper’s Pizza Take and Bake, Grangeville.
- Happy Tails Resort, relocated to a new location in Grangeville.
- Hello Gorgeous Salon, Lewiston.
- Kalon Co. Esthetics and Body Sculpting, Lewiston.
- Canyon Inn, has reopened under new ownership, Peck.
Closings
- Northfork Café, Ahsahka.
- The Clothes Line, Lewiston.
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY25 as part of the Workforce Information grant (40%) and state/nonfederal funds (60%) totaling $885,703.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.
Region
Labor demand in northern Idaho remained stable in August 2024, with a total of 1,923 unique job postings in the region – a slight decline from 2,043 in July. The unemployment rate rose slightly in August from 4.8% to 4.9%, increasing by 0.8% from August of last year. Overall, total employment has increased slightly over the last year.
Figure 1.
| Northern Idaho seasonally adjusted data | Aug-24 (P) | July-24 (R) | Aug-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 127,977 | 127,300 | 126,401 |
| Total employment | 121,686 | 121,180 | 121,231 |
| Unemployment | 6,291 | 6,120 | 5,170 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 4.9% | 4.8% | 4.1% |
| Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked | ||
Figure 2.
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
|---|---|---|
Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in northern Idaho, July 2024 | Postings, Aug-24 | Postings, Aug-23
|
| Retail salespersons | 68 | 73 |
| Registered nurses | 64 | 92 |
| Laborers, freight, stock, material movers and hand | 40 | 60 |
| Merchandise displayers and window trimmers | 40 | 22 |
| Home health and personal care aides | 38 | 43 |
| Fast food and counter workers | 38 | 27 |
| Customer service representatives | 35 | 37 |
| Medical and health service managers | 33 | 14 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 29 | 41 |
| Cashiers | 28 | 23 |
Figure 3.
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
|---|---|---|
Top 10 industries by unique job postings in northern Idaho, August 2024 | Postings, Aug-24
| Postings, Aug-23
|
| Health care and social assistance | 273 | 309 |
| Retail trade | 260 | 288 |
| Administrative and support services | 202 | 221 |
| Manufacturing | 122 | 144 |
| Accommodation and food services | 118 | 137 |
| Finance and insurance | 78 | 85 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 70 | 94 |
| Wholesale trade | 69 | 73 |
| Educational services | 50 | 56 |
| Construction | 47 | 55 |
Figure 4.
Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
|---|---|---|
Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in northern Idaho, August 2024 | Median duration, Aug-24 | Median duration, Aug-23 |
| Automotive and watercraft service attendants | 27 | N/A |
| Reservation and transportation ticket agents and travel clerks | 27 | N/A |
| Sewing machine operators | 27 | N/A |
| Electricians | 26 | N/A |
| Preschool teachers, except special education | 25 | N/A |
| Cement masons and concrete finishers | 25 | 19 |
| First-line supervisors of mechanics, installers and repairers | 24 | N/A |
| Cashiers | 23 | N/A |
| Sales representatives, technical and scientific products | 23 | N/A |
| Machinists | 23 | 10 |
Region News
Bonner County
- The Idaho Department of Lands auctioned off eight (now-former) endowment lots on Priest Lake, netting more than $11.4 million, which was more than $500,000 above the appraised value of the lots. Source: Bonner County Daily Bee
Kootenai County
- A new family division land-use ordinance has gone into effect in Kootenai County. The new ordinance contains exemptions which will make it easier for property owners to divide their land to either sell or gift to family members, by allowing living property owners to divide unplotted land without following the county’s formal subdivision procedures. Source: Journal of Business
- Coeur d’Alene based Intermax Networks raised $60 million in private and public funds to extend fiber-optic infrastructure to underserved regional communities. Projects have begun to run fiber to rural communities in northern Idaho including Spirit Lake, Twin Lakes Village and to bring connectivity along Idaho Route 54. Source: Journal of Business
- Construction is beginning on a new interchange between State Highway 53 and Pleasant View Road. The $30 million Idaho Transportation Department project will include a new diamond interchange and additional lanes, which will eliminate several railroad crossings and greatly increase capacity. Preliminary work this autumn is not expected to impact traffic flows, with impacts to drivers beginning in spring 2025. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
- The North Idaho Building Contractor’s Association held its annual Parade of Homes. The event allows regional builders to showcase their state-of-the-art projects with ticketed tours of homes. The event serves to both promote home builders and educate the public on the latest trends and innovations in home design. It also serves major fundraiser for the Building Contractor’s Association. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press
Openings
- Treehouse Restaurant (Coeur d’Alene)
- Armory Outpost (Hayden)
- Divine Nails & Spa (Coeur d’Alene)
- Honeysuckle Suites (Hayden)
- La Pinata (Post Falls)
- MAC Physical Therapy (Post Falls)
- Orchid Nails & Spa (Coeur d’Alene)
- Wholesome Plate (Coeur d’Alene)
- Paradigm Owners Rep Services (Coeur d’Alene)
- NorthLife Aesthetics (Coeur d’Alene)
- Bolton Law (Coeur d’Alene)
- Kayu International (Hayden)
- Sandpoint Ceramics (Sandpoint)
- Cultivation Counseling (Sandpoint)
This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY24 as part of the Workforce Information grant (48%) and state/nonfederal (52%) totaling $704,259.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.
Region
Southwestern Idaho’s single-family home sales – August 2023 and 2024
| Median price sold | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | $536,655 | $520,000 | 3.2% |
| Adams | $371,000 | $459,999 | -19.3% |
| Boise | $390,000 | $440,000 | -11.4% |
| Canyon | $410,384 | $405,000 | 1.3% |
| Elmore | $379,990 | $330,000 | 15.1% |
| Gem | $456,750 | $519,000 | -12.0% |
| Owyhee | $390,000 | $363,000 | 7.4% |
| Payette | $360,000 | $365,164 | -1.4% |
| Valley | $632,500 | $730,000 | -13.4% |
| Washington | $334,489 | $359,000 | -6.8% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
| Days on market | 2024 | 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ada | 39 | 34 | 14.7% |
| Adams | 122 | 80 | 52.5% |
| Boise | 73 | 54 | 35.2% |
| Canyon | 50 | 32 | 56.3% |
| Elmore | 73 | 39 | 87.2% |
| Gem | 40 | 62 | -35.5% |
| Owyhee | 51 | 39 | 30.8% |
| Payette | 41 | 60 | -31.7% |
| Valley | 62 | 67 | -7.5% |
| Washington | 68 | 44 | 54.5% |
| Regional average days | 62 | 51 | 21.1% |
| Source: Intermountain Multiple Listing Service | |||
Region
- In early September, the U.S. Drought Monitor downgraded most of the north central region from D1 Moderate Drought to D2 Severe Drought as dry conditions persist. Source: US Drought Monitor
- Wheat harvest in north central Idaho has been challenging due to extremely low market prices that could realistically result in operational losses for local farmers. Winter wheat had above average yields while spring wheat varied from below-to-average yields. Weather was listed as the top issue for the 2024 crop season. Source: PNW Co-Op
- A shortage of referees and officials is resulting in regional fall volleyball and football games being rescheduled and potentially canceled throughout the region. Source: Lewiston Tribune, KOZE, Idaho County Free Press
- Local government outlooks for the next fiscal year:
- Latah County is seeing budget increases for employee salaries, June 2025 Kohberger trial expenses, and grants covering internet broadband deployment offset by predicted lower revenue distributions from sales taxes and alcohol.
- The city of Moscow will increase property taxes by 4% and add three new paid paramedic/firefighter positions, $5 million toward the construction of a new city shop facility and proposed 4% cost of living increase to city staff. The city eliminated six positions in Fiscal Year 2024 that will remain vacant and unfunded for the upcoming year.
- Nez Perce County will purchase a microwave simulcast repeater for improved emergency communications, add a cybersecurity position, and pay final completion bills of the newly constructed county courthouse.
- The city of Lewiston plans to cut unfilled positions (transit driver, groundskeeper, administrative assistant and arborist) and reduce cash reserves to keep property tax rates flat in the upcoming year. It may look to hire more police officers for the 2025-26 fiscal year.
Region
Labor force estimates for August 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics had both total employment and total unemployment increasing slightly in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, August’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 112 people, with 131 more employed people and 19 fewer unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.5%, the same as July 2024 and 0.4% higher than August 2023.
| Southeastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data | Aug-24 (P) | Jul-24 (R) | Aug-24 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 91,202 | 91,090 | 87,962 |
| Total employment | 88,046 | 87,915 | 85,244 |
| Unemployment | 3,156 | 3,175 | 2,718 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.5% | 3.5% | 3.1% |
| Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P – Preliminary, | R – Revised, | B – Benchmark |
In August 2024, there were 530 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area, which decreased 26% from the prior month at 718 and 24% over the year at 695. The median job posting duration was 12 days, down one day from July and down two days from August 2023.
Region
Labor force estimates for August 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have total employment and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, August’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 352 people, with 333 more employed people and 19 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region remained at 3.1%, the same as June 2024, and 0.4 percentage points higher than July 2023.
Figure 1.
| Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data | Aug-24 (P) | Jul-24 (P) | Aug-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 132,539 | 132,187 | 128,928 |
| Total employment | 128,375 | 128,042 | 125,499 |
| Unemployment | 4,164 | 4,145 | 3,429 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.1 | 3.1 | 2.7 |
| P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked Source: Idaho Department of Labor |
|||
Region
- Labor demand in south central Idaho remained stable in August 2024, with a total of 2,753 unique job postings in the region, a 5.4% decrease from 2,912 unique postings in July 2024. The unemployment rate remained at 3.5% from July 2024 and has increased 0.3% from August 2023. Total employment has increased 2.6% over the past year.
| South central Idaho seasonally adjusted data | August-24 (P) | July-24 (R) | August – 23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 109,678 | 109,032 | 106,539 |
| Total employment | 105,802 | 105,218 | 103,151 |
| Unemployment | 3,876 | 3,814 | 3,388 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.5% | 3.5% | 3.2% |
| Source: Idaho Department of Labor | P – Preliminary | R – Revised | B – Benchmarked |
Region
Labor force estimates for July 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) had total employment and total unemployment increasing in the seven-county southeastern region. Seasonally adjusted, July’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 1,177 people, with 1,161 more employed people and 16 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.5%, the same as June 2024 and .2% lower than July 2023.
Continue reading “Around Southeastern Idaho: Economic activity, August 2024”
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in south central Idaho, June 2024 | Postings, Jun-24 | Postings, Jun-23 |
|---|---|---|
| Retail salespersons | 136 | 99 |
| Registered nurses | 135 | 127 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 134 | 73 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 72 | 75 |
| Customer service representatives | 61 | 60 |
| Cashiers | 58 | 36 |
| Sales representatives, wholesale, manufacturing, except technical and scientific products | 54 | 28 |
| Laborers and freight, stock, material movers and hand | 51 | 34 |
| Fast food and counter workers | 48 | 23 |
| General and operations managers | 47 | 45 |
| Source: Conference Board via Lightcast |