North Central region

County workforce trends

Updated 1/30/2026. Reports will not be updated before April 2026 due to annual benchmarking.

Includes population and unemployment rate

Description

North central Idaho’s economy traditionally relied on forest products and agricultural products, especially wheat and cattle. Its fast-growing manufacturing sector includes ammunition, gun, jet boat, and equipment makers, as well as lumber and paper mills.

The University of Idaho, Nez Perce Tribe, Forest Service, Lewis-Clark State College and fish hatcheries are among the largest employers in the region.

Lisa Grigg

North central regional economist

In the news

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