Tag: Eastern Idaho
Regional labor market information
- Labor force estimates for November 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have both total employment and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, November’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 324 people, with 116 more employed people and 208 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region increased to 3.1% since last month and is 0.6 percentage points higher than November 2023.
| Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data | Nov-24 (P) | Oct-24 (P) | Nov-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 133,100 | 132,776 | 129,487 |
| Total employment | 128,800 | 128,684 | 126,093 |
| Unemployment | 4,300 | 4,092 | 3,394 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.2 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
| P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked Source: Idaho Department of Labor |
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- There were an estimated 941 unique, deduplicated job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for November 2024, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (This is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) The 941 postings are a 25% decrease from 1,259 the prior month, but a 2% increase from 922 year over year. Registered nurses remained the top occupation of unique job postings in the region for November. New to the top occupations by quantity of job postings this month were merchandise displayers, software developers, maintenance repair workers, computer programmers and mental health counselors. Employer hiring demand based on quantity of job postings did not increase for any occupations since last month. Job postings decreased for all other carryover occupations from the month prior, including 52% for heavy truck drivers, 51% for retail salespersons and 20% for registered nurses.
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, November 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 45 |
| Retail salespersons | 27 |
| Merchandise displayers and window trimmers | 21 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 21 |
| Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers | 21 |
| Software developers | 19 |
| Customer service representatives | 19 |
| General maintenance and repair workers | 16 |
| Computer programmers | 15 |
| Mental health counselors | 12 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
- Finance and insurance replaced educational services in the top five of regional industries by quantity of job postings this month. Industry hiring demand by job postings increased over the month by 35% in finance and insurance and by 11% in public administration industries. Job postings decreased over the month by 45% in educational services, 41% in professional, scientific and technical services, 30% in waste management and remediation, 37% in construction, 20% in transportation and warehousing, 19% in wholesale trade and 16% in health care and social assistance industries.
| Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, November 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 147 |
| Finance and insurance | 100 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 98 |
| Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services | 84 |
| Retail trade | 75 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
| Wholesale trade | 50 |
| Construction | 40 |
| Educational services | 40 |
| Public administration | 36 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 20 |
| Accommodation and food services | 19 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
- November data on the hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, by highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings, include registered nurses, general and operations managers and project management specialists. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in November by occupational family were health care practitioners and technical and management. All occupations were new to this month’s hardest-to-fill jobs list, except accountants, general and operations managers and registered nurses.
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, November 2024 | Days to fill | Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 24 | 21 |
| Registered nurses | 23 | 45 |
| General and operations managers | 18 | 10 |
| Accountants and auditors | 18 | 9 |
| Cashiers | 17 | 9 |
| Radiologic technologists and technicians | 17 | 5 |
| Stockers and order fillers | 16 | 5 |
| Driver and sales workers | 13 | 12 |
| Retail salespersons | 9 | 27 |
| Physical therapists | 7 | 9 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
Regional news
- According to Natural Resources Conservation Services mountain data from SNOTEL, the five runoff basins that comprise eastern Idaho have an average year-to-date snow water equivalent measuring 82% of median, but only 68% of median for average year-to-date precipitation. Source: Natural Resources Conservation Services
- The U.S. Small Business Administration issued an Economic Injury Disaster Loan declaration to aid businesses impacted by wildfires, including the Bench Lake and Wapiti Fires that began July 11. This makes assistance available in Butte, Custer and Lemhi counties to offset economic losses. Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
- A new memorandum of understanding between Idaho National Laboratory (INL) and Idaho State University begins collaborative research in critical and strategic minerals and materials, as well as environmental sustainability and security. This research involves the study and development of materials vital to technology and industrial processes that are also at risk of supply disruptions. Some of these critical minerals are mined in eastern Idaho. Environmental sustainability research will include carbon reduction, sequestration and storage technologies, digitization and artificial intelligence, geothermal energy, as well as spent fuel storage and disposition. Sources: INL and Post Register
- Allegiant Airlines is adding a new stop to Denver from Idaho Falls Regional Airport starting May 2025. Source: KIFI
Bonneville County
- Cielito Lindo, a new Mexican restaurant, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- The Christmas Caboose, an old train caboose present along a riverbank in Idaho Falls for decades, has been turned into a seasonal drive-thru treat shop. Source: East Idaho News
- Bumble and Bleat, a soap boutique, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Falls Magazine
- A speakeasy called Soiled Dove opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- JB’s Soda Barn in Idaho Falls is permanently closing. Source: East Idaho News
- The city of Idaho Falls completed the entire citywide fiber network for residential use ahead of schedule. Installation teams invented technology and designed ground-boring equipment to minimize above-ground digging. Construction totaled $45 million. There are currently over 8,500 customers using the network and six service providers. On average there are 200-300 new installations per month. Source: City of Idaho Falls
- The four-acre Gem Prep Charter School lot in Ammon’s Bridgewater neighborhood was sold to Caliber Customs for construction of 17 townhomes. The zoning was previously designated as parks, schools and churches but is now zoned as residential. Source: Post Register
- The city of Idaho Falls accepted a $2.6 million bid to construct a new fire station on the north side of the city. Source: Post Register
- The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Kid to Kid, Idaho Falls Festival of Trees and Candy Cane Lane. 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
Custer County
- The Challis City Council went ahead with preliminary plat approval for the Centerra Park subdivision to develop 14 new single-family homes for workers employed at Thompson Creek Mine. The single large lot owned by Thompson Creek will be subdivided into quarter to a half-acre lots and sold. Source: Challis Messenger
- A 10-year federal permit was issued to Electra, a mining company in the Salmon-Challis National Forest, for 91 copper and cobalt locations and hundreds of potential drill targets, strengthening domestic critical mineral production needed for electric vehicle batteries. Source: Challis Messenger
Fremont County
- Fremont County Joint School District 251 has announced upgrades to career technical education classrooms and a new greenhouse to support culinary arts, big game processing, agricultural education, industrial technology and management programs. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- The city of Ashton approved a new city code officially allowing for short-term rentals in residential areas with initial and annual registration fees. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
Jefferson County
- The former business owners of Thrifty Nickel, which shuttered in September, opened a new establishment called Innovative Ink, a printshop in Menan. Source: East Idaho News
- Mountain Top Print Shop, a custom printing business, opened in Rigby. Source: East Idaho News
- Sweet Swirls ice cream shop opened in Rigby. Source: East Idaho News
- Post Holdings, Inc., a St. Louis firm, is acquiring Rigby-based Potato Products of Idaho LLC who employ 163 workers to manufacture, and package refrigerated and frozen potato products. Source: Post Holdings press release
- Kelly Canyon ski resort opened for the season. They now boast three snowmaking guns, new power and a retention pond. They have also installed a new triple-seat chair lift. Their 10-year plan includes new lodging, another ski lift, zip lines and a mountain coaster. Source: Post Register
Madison County
- Links Indoor Golf opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
- Rexburg city council approved the Adara at Teton Lakes subdivision plat. The development is 62 acres and will contain 157 building lots. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
Teton County
- The Idaho Supreme Court ruled in favor of Teton Creek Resort, LLC in their case with Teton County, allowing the resort to move forward with plans to record its condominium plat and obtain necessary building permits. Source: Teton Valley News
Eastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – November 2023 and 2024
Figure 5.| Median price sold | Nov-24 | Nov-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | $445,000 | $417,450 | 6.6% |
| Butte | $192,500 | $258,000 | -25.4% |
| Clark | $245,000 | $212,500 | 15.3% |
| Custer | $499,950 | $625,000 | -20.0% |
| Fremont | $750,000 | $687,000 | 9.2% |
| Jefferson | $525,000 | $516,250 | 1.7% |
| Lemhi | $555,000 | $665,500 | -16.6% |
| Madison | $399,000 | $399,000 | 0% |
| Teton | $995,000 | $818,500 | 21.6% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | |||
| Active listings (inventory) | Nov-24 | Nov-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 397 | 340 | 16.8% |
| Butte | 16 | 23 | -30.4% |
| Clark | 1 | 2 | -50.0% |
| Custer | 46 | 31 | 48.4% |
| Fremont | 114 | 101 | 12.9% |
| Jefferson | 106 | 85 | 24.7% |
| Lemhi | 53 | 44 | 20.5% |
| Madison | 95 | 95 | 0% |
| Teton | 137 | 102 | 32.4% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Median days on market | Nov-24 | Nov-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 57 | 47 | 21.3% |
| Butte | 108 | 84 | 28.6% |
| Clark | 16 | 75 | -78.7% |
| Custer | 97 | 101 | -4.0% |
| Fremont | 116 | 92 | 26.1% |
| Jefferson | 73 | 68 | 7.4% |
| Lemhi | 99 | 108 | -8.3% |
| Madison | 80 | 80 | 0% |
| Teton | 117 | 94 | 24.5% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Total homes pending sale | Nov-24 | Nov-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 167 | 145 | 15.2% |
| Butte | 3 | 3 | 0% |
| Clark | 1 | 2 | -50.0% |
| Custer | 6 | 4 | 50.0% |
| Fremont | 30 | 20 | 50.0% |
| Jefferson | 39 | 38 | 2.6% |
| Lemhi | 12 | 4 | 200.0% |
| Madison | 31 | 31 | 0% |
| Teton | 54 | 40 | 35.0% |
| 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.
Regional labor market information
- Labor force estimates for October 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics have total employment increasing, but unemployment decreasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, October’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 286, with 215 more employed people and 71 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region remained unchanged at 3% and 0.3 percentage points higher than October 2023.
| Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data | Oct-24 (P) | Sep-24 (P) | Oct-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 132,789 | 132,503 | 129,349 |
| Total employment | 128,696 | 128,481 | 125,883 |
| Unemployment | 4,093 | 4,022 | 3,466 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.0 | 3.0 | 2.7 |
| P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked Source: Idaho Department of Labor |
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- There were an estimated 1,259 unique job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for October 2024, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online (this is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) The 1,259 postings are a 3% decrease from 1,294 the prior month and a 12% year-over-year increase from 1,140. Registered nurses were the top occupation of unique (deduplicated) job postings in the region for October. New to the top occupations by quantity of job postings this month were radiologic technologists and physical therapists. Employer hiring demand from a job postings perspective increased 4% for retail salespersons, 26% for hand laborers and material movers and 11% for general and operations managers. Job postings decreased for all other carryover occupations from the month prior.
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, October 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Registered nurses | 56 |
| Retail salespersons | 55 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 44 |
| Radiologic technologists and technicians | 34 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 29 |
| Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers | 23 |
| Customer service representatives | 21 |
| Secretaries and administrative assistants | 20 |
| General and operations managers | 18 |
| Physical therapists | 16 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
- This month, educational services replaced manufacturing in the top five of regional industries by quantity of job postings. Industry hiring demand based on job postings increased over the month in health care and social assistance by 5%, waste management and remediation services by 15%, education services by 22%, other services by 28% and finance and insurance by 37%. Areas that saw a decrease in job postings over the month were public administration by 36%, manufacturing by 30%; professional, scientific and technical services by 26%; transportation and warehousing by 24% and wholesale trade industries by 18%.
| Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, October 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Health care and social assistance | 176 |
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 165 |
| Retail Trade | 141 |
| Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services | 120 |
| Educational services | 73 |
| Finance and insurance | 65 |
| Construction | 63 |
| Manufacturing | 62 |
| Wholesale trade | 62 |
| Other services | 36 |
| Public administration | 32 |
| Real estate and rental leasing | 28 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 25 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
- October data on the hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, in terms of highest median job posting duration and multiple unique job postings, include registered nurses, general and operations managers and project management specialists. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in October by occupational family were health care practitioners, technical and management. All occupations were new to this month’s hardest-to-fill jobs list, except general and operations managers and registered nurses.
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, October 2024 | Days to fill | Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Medical and health services managers | 25 | 8 |
| Speech-language pathologists | 25 | 6 |
| Financial managers | 24 | 7 |
| General and operations managers | 20 | 18 |
| Project management specialists | 18 | 13 |
| Hairdressers, hairstylists and cosmotologists | 17 | 9 |
| Accounts and auditors | 17 | 7 |
| Registered nurses | 16 | 56 |
| Computer programmers | 16 | 6 |
| All other physicians | 16 | 6 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
Regional news
- Yellowstone National Park hosted 838,458 visitors last month, the second highest September on record. So far in 2024, the park has hosted 4,349,689 recreation visits, an increase of 5% since 2023. The year-to-date numbers are just 120,000 lower than in 2021, the park’s record-setting year. Source: National Park Service
- The Idaho Falls Regional Airport received $2.5 million from the Federal Aviation Administration for expanding the terminal’s outbound baggage processing, ticketing, airline offices and baggage screening areas. Construction will begin in the Spring of 2025. Source: KIFI
- The U.S. and Idaho Departments of Agriculture partnered with the Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program, awarding the following equipment and infrastructure grants for increased capacity and output in eastern Idaho to:
- Farr Candy Co. in Idaho Falls – $95,000 for equipment to increase ice cream manufacturing.
- Salmon Valley Stewardship in Salmon – $99,620 for a community commercial kitchen for regional producers and food businesses.
- Walters Produce 2.0 in Newdale – $96,023 for potato line improvements to increase capacity. Source: Capital Press
- The new Arco Wind and Solar project located outside of Idaho Falls was approved by the Idaho board of land commissioners, becoming the first wind and solar farm on Idaho endowment land. The 49-year lease will be developed by Pacificorp on 11,000 acres for 10 to 12 wind turbines and 2,000-5,000 acres for solar generator equipment. Source: KIFI
- Bonneville, Teton, Fremont, Jefferson and Madison Counties are eligible to apply for low-interest federal Small Business Administration disaster loans to offset economic losses due to reduced revenue from the draught that began Aug. 13. Source: U.S. Small Business Administration
Bonneville County
- A new retail establishment, Kid to Kid, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- Amazing Glaze Donuts opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Game Grid, a tabletop gaming retailer, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Vast Apparel opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
- Budget Binzz, a retail shop, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- North 40 Adventures, a new clothing, boutique and sporting goods shop, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Another location of Park Avenue Grill opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- 208 Outlets, an overstock liquidation company, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Falls Magazine
- Burly Burger, a restaurant chain based in Utah, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- OneZo, a boba tea store, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Idaho Falls Magazine
- Rediscovered Treasures, an Idaho Falls consignment shop, is permanently closing. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- Bill’s Bike and Snow, a retailer in Idaho Falls, is permanently closing. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Vast Apparel, U.S. Bank, The Little Play Hut Play Café, Transformative Journey Healthcare, North 40 Adventures and United Energy Workers Healthcare. 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
- Greater Idaho Falls Transit was inducted into the Idaho Transportation Department’s Hall of Fame for Innovation as something unique, not previously applied in the public transportation industry. The data obtained through this project will lead to further planning and recommendations for other services and possible expansion to surrounding areas. By the end of October 2024, the transit company gave over 220,000 rides in Idaho Falls. The program is planning to add five additional vehicles over the next six months. Source: KIFI
- The Bonneville School District’s $5.8 million supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
- The Idaho Falls School District’s $1.6 million supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
- The city of Ammon’s $1.25 million street levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
Clark County
- The Clark County School District’s $500,000 supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
Custer County
- Challis City Council reversed an ordinance and will now allow tiny homes, including five small, manufactured homes, to be parked inside the Round Valley RV Park. Source: Challis Messenger
- The Challis School District’s $1.4 million supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
Fremont County
- Wooden Nickel Stained Glass, a retailer in St. Anthony, is permanently closing. Source: East Idaho News
- The Fremont County School District’s $3 million supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
Jefferson County
- Idaho Elite K9 Training and Boarding Suites opened in Rigby. Source: East Idaho News
- The Ririe School District’s $745,000 supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
- The West Jefferson School District’s $720,000 supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
- The former U.S. Bank building in Rigby was sold to an undisclosed business. Source: Idaho Business Review
- The Jefferson County Board of Commissioners approved a $1 million purchase for 37 acres of land to be used as a gravel pit for the Road and Bridge Department and for landfill expansion. Source: Jefferson Star
Madison County
- Great Clips hair salon opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
- Sumo Boba, a drink shop, opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
- Masala Indian Cuisine opened in Rexburg. Source: East Idaho News
Teton County
- The Teton School District’s $9.9 million supplemental levy passed. Source: East Idaho News
Eastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – October 2023 and 2024
Figure 5.| Median price sold | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | $450,000 | $429,725 | 4.7% |
| Butte | $198,000 | $270,500 | -26.8% |
| Clark | $240,000 | $216,188 | 11.0% |
| Custer | $499,974 | $625,000 | -20.0% |
| Fremont | $747,900 | $697,000 | 7.3% |
| Jefferson | $525,000 | $534,375 | -1.8% |
| Lemhi | $579,750 | $657,000 | -11.8% |
| Madison | $398,500 | $394,700 | 1.0% |
| Teton | $993,750 | $939,000 | 5.8% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | |||
| Active listings (inventory) | Oct-24 | Oct-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 402 | 357 | 12.6% |
| Butte | 18 | 22 | -18.2% |
| Clark | 1 | 2 | -50.0% |
| Custer | 48 | 34 | 41.2% |
| Fremont | 143 | 113 | 26.5% |
| Jefferson | 116 | 98 | 18.4% |
| Lemhi | 58 | 47 | 23.4% |
| Madison | 99 | 86 | 15.1% |
| Teton | 137 | 109 | 25.7% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Median days on market | Oct-24 | Oct-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 52 | 40 | 30.0% |
| Butte | 85 | 84 | 1.2% |
| Clark | 162 | 57 | 184.2% |
| Custer | 94 | 106 | -11.3% |
| Fremont | 105 | 82 | 28.0% |
| Jefferson | 64 | 77 | -16.9% |
| Lemhi | 97 | 89 | 9.0% |
| Madison | 74 | 47 | 57.4% |
| Teton | 97 | 85 | 14.1% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
| Total homes pending sale | Oct-24 | Oct-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 201 | 159 | 26.4% |
| Butte | 4 | 4 | 0.0% |
| Clark | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Custer | 8 | 6 | 33.3% |
| Fremont | 36 | 24 | 50.0% |
| Jefferson | 38 | 34 | 11.8% |
| Lemhi | 6 | 6 | 0.0% |
| Madison | 36 | 27 | 33.3% |
| Teton | 73 | 49 | 49.0% |
| 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.
Regional labor market information
Labor force estimates in Figure 1 for September 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics show total employment increasing, but unemployment decreasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, September’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants remaining unchanged, with 493 more employed people and 133 fewer unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for the region decreased to 3.0%, 0.4 percentage points higher than September 2023.
Figure 1.
| Eastern Idaho, seasonally adjusted data | Sep-24 (P) | Aug-24 (P) | Sep-23 (B) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Civilian labor force | 132,732 | 132,372 | 129,691 |
| Total employment | 128,708 | 128,215 | 126,285 |
| Unemployment | 4,024 | 4,157 | 3,406 |
| % of labor force unemployed | 3.0 | 3.1 | 2.6 |
| P – Preliminary, R – Revised, B – Benchmarked Source: Idaho Department of Labor |
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Considering Figure 2, there were an estimated 1,294 unique job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for September 2024, according to The Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (Note, this is regional online job postings data and not necessarily job openings data.) Postings decreased 11% from 1,457 the prior month and dropped 2% from 1,319 year-over-year. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers were the top occupation of unique (deduplicated) job postings in the region this month. Secretaries, administrative assistants and customer service representatives were new to the top five, while construction laborers, cashiers, hand laborers and freight, stock and material mover and general and operations managers were new to the top 10. Employer hiring demand from a job posting perspective increased 31% for heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, 21% for retail salespersons, 11% for customer service representatives and 25% for secretaries and administrative assistants. Conversely, job postings decreased 32% for retail sales supervisors.
Figure 2.
| Top 10 occupations by unique job postings in eastern Idaho, September 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 75 |
| Registered nurses | 61 |
| Retail salespersons | 53 |
| Customer service representatives | 28 |
| Secretaries and administrative assistants, except legal, medical and executive | 24 |
| Construction laborers | 24 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 21 |
| Cashiers | 17 |
| Hand laborers, freight, stock and material movers | 17 |
| General and operations managers | 16 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
Figure 3 shows professional, scientific and technical services remained at the top of eastern region’s rankings for industries by unique job postings in September. However, waste management and remediation services replaced education services in the top five this month. Industry hiring demand from a job posting perspective increased 64% in transportation and warehousing, 12% in health care and social assistance, 20% in professional, scientific and technical services, 35% in manufacturing, 30% in public administration, 43% in accommodation and food services and 40% in construction. Conversely, job postings decreased 4% over the month in retail trade, 8% in education services, and 22% in finance and insurance industries.
Figure 3.
| Top industries by job unique postings in eastern Idaho, September 2024 | Postings |
|---|---|
| Professional, scientific and technical services | 224 |
| Health care and social assistance | 168 |
| Retail Trade | 144 |
| Administrative, support, waste management and remediation services | 102 |
| Manufacturing | 89 |
| Wholesale trade | 76 |
| Construction | 62 |
| Educational services | 57 |
| Public administration | 50 |
| Accommodation and food services | 42 |
| Finance and insurance | 41 |
| Transportation and warehousing | 33 |
| Other services | 26 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | |
As indicated in Figure 4, September data from The Conference Board denotes the hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, in terms of combination of time to fill (median job posting duration) and multiple unique job postings. These included mechanical engineers, general and operations managers, registered nurses, heavy truck drivers and retail sales supervisors. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in September by occupational family were management, transportation and material moving and health care support. All occupations were new to the hardest-to-fill jobs list this month.
Figure 4.
| Top 10 hardest-to-fill occupations in eastern Idaho, September 2024 | Days to fill | Postings |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical engineers | 27 | 9 |
| Computer systems engineers or architects | 27 | 7 |
| General and operations managers | 20 | 16 |
| Registered nurses | 19 | 61 |
| Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers | 18 | 75 |
| Pharmacy technicians | 17 | 16 |
| First-line supervisors of retail sales workers | 16 | 21 |
| Underground mining loading and moving machine operators | 16 | 7 |
| First-line supervisors of office and administrative workers | 14 | 8 |
| Sales representatives of wholesale and manufacturing | 12 | 9 |
| Source: Conference Board data via Lightcast | ||
Regional news
- The College of Eastern Idaho opened their new Workforce Training Professional Development Center offering education in many trades, such as welding and crane operation. Additionally, a Peace Officer Standards and Training program was also established. The college is a member of the Intermountain-West Nuclear Energy Corridor, the only nuclear designated technology hub in the nation. Source: East Idaho News
- U.S. Department of Agriculture and Idaho officials met with their Japanese counterparts in Idaho Falls for a Plant Health Bilateral Meeting to promote agricultural trade between the U.S. and foreign countries. The main objective of the meeting was to negotiate with Japan to begin importation of fresh Idaho potatoes. Trade efforts have been ongoing for 30 years. Idaho officials, including Gov. Brad Little, will travel to Japan and Taiwan in November for a trade mission. Source: Idaho Capital Sun
- Work is nearly complete on the first phase of the Teton Pass landslide repair. Crews are preparing the detour to carry traffic through the winter. The Wyoming Department of Transportation is not planning long-term closures of the pass unless necessitated by weather conditions or other unforeseen circumstances. Due to supply chain constraints and unpredictable weather from Teton Pass’ high elevations, project work will likely take place through spring 2025. Source: KIFI
- Idaho Falls Regional Airport will now have a larger Delta Air Lines aircraft to Salt Lake City International Airport. It offers up to 109 seats rather than regional 76-passenger jets. Source: East Idaho News
Bonneville County
- Cannon Skate Shop opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Broulim’s Fresh Foods is building its 12th grocery store at a new commercial development, Riviera Park, in Ammon. Source: Mountain West Commercial Real Estate
- Eastern Idaho’s first autism clinic, Opal Autism Center, opened in Idaho Falls. Source: East Idaho News
- Goldenwest Credit Union opened a new branch in Idaho Falls. Source: Greater Idaho Chamber of Commerce
- Sancho Taco opened in Idaho Falls. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
- The US Bank branch in downtown Idaho Falls is closing. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
- The Idaho Community Foundation awarded grants to:
- College of Eastern Idaho Foundation Inc. – received $4,000 to support the Center for New Directions.
- Community Food Basket Idaho Falls – received $12,000 for health and wellness programs.
- Development Workshop Inc. – received $3,941 for community benefit programs.
- Domestic Violence Intervention Center – received $12,000 for educational and economic opportunities.
- Habitat for Humanity Idaho Falls Inc. – received $5,000 for housing stability efforts.
- Idaho Falls Arts Council Inc. – received $3,000 to support arts and culture.
- Idaho Falls Rescue Mission – received $5,000 for housing stability.
- Museum of Idaho – received $3,000 to support arts and culture.
- Promise Ridge Inc. – received $5,000 for housing stability efforts.
- Salvation Army Idaho Falls Corps – received $4,000 for housing stability.
Source: Post Register
- Bonneville County Courthouse is renovating the vacated police department space for a new jury courtroom, payment offices and office spaces for judges and clerks. The estimated cost is $2.2 million with expected completion by February 2025. Source: Post Register
- The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cutting and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Salon H. Davis, Tad Jenkins Auto Group, Goldenwest Credit Union, Opal Autism Center, Infusion Specialists, Century 21 High Desert Realty, Avanti Body, Sancho Taco and Westmark Credit Union Member Solutions Center. These establishments have either opened their doors within the past six months, moved to a new location due to expansion, or remodeled or amplified their current location. Source: Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce
Butte County
- The National Park Service and Shoshone-Bannock Tribes held a special event and ceremony to dedicate the new Craters of the Moon Trail Interpretive Waysides at Devil’s Orchard Nature Trail. Source: KIFI
Custer County
- Due to wildfires, the city of Stanley option tax revenues from tourism decreased about 24% in August and estimates September’s revenue loss will be about the same. The revenue losses to the businesses themselves were estimated at $1.5 million, not including option tax revenues. The Small Business Administration and the governor’s office have agreed to declare Economic Injury Disaster in Custer County, which opens the availability of Small Business Administration disaster loans to local businesses. Source: Boise State Public Radio
- The Wapiti Fire between Lowman and Stanley has burned 128,000 acres and is 85% contained. Nearly 400 personnel were working on the fire. The Idaho Transportation Department continues replacing damaged infrastructure and signage along with removing trees along the highway. Source: KIFI
- The Red Rock Fire near Challis temporarily stranded 45 firefighters after destroying a bridge and numerous structures in the area. The fire has grown to 74,000 acres at 19% containment with 564 personnel. People living in the area have been evacuated. Source: East Idaho News and KIFI
- The Stanley School expansion project broke ground and aims to be completed by summer 2025. Two new classrooms and a library are being added with funds of $550,000 from Challis School District trustees and $700,000 from Stanley School Parents Association. Source: Challis Messenger
Fremont County
- The Fish Creek Fire is estimated to be 25,017 acres and 79% contained. Source: KIFI
Jefferson County
- Snake River Meadow RV Park and Campground opened in Ririe, available for weddings, corporate retreats, family reunions and more. Source: East Idaho News
- Rigby City Council approved a 15-unit residential Planned Unit Development. Source: Jefferson Star
Lemhi County
- The Garden Fire has burned 10,000 acres and is 0% contained. There are 177 personnel on site working to contain it. Source: KIFI
- The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded $4.8 million to the Panther Creek Project at the Municipal Watershed in the Salmon-Challis National Forest. This is part of an effort to expand work on the U.S. Forest Service Wildfire Crisis Strategy. Source: Capital Press
- Exploration of copper at Electra Battery Materials’ Iron Creek cobalt project will be expanded with financial commitments to Phoenix Copper for 2026 and 2028. Electra has applied for a 10-year exploration permit to drill at 91 sites. Source: Challis Messenger
Madison County
- UNIQ Supply, a custom logo firm, opened their corporate headquarters in Rexburg. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- The following establishments opened in Rexburg: Chipotle Mexican Grill, Sparks BBQ, Tagg-N-Go Carwash and South Fork Flooring. Source: East Idaho News
- New Fong’s, a restaurant in Rexburg, is permanently closing after 18 years of business. Source: East Idaho News
- The city of Rexburg partnered with Silver Star Communications and Lightbridge Fiber Network for a connectivity project to be completed by fall 2025. The network will cover every street, have open access and is being built with 100% private investment. The four providers to choose from include ConnectFast, Intellipop, Altitude Fiber and Direct Communications. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
- Rexburg Parks Department has introduced the new Teton River Park project. The project will take about 10 years to develop where people can go tubing, paddle boarding and biking. Source: KIFI
- Brigham Young University-Idaho Fall 2024 enrollment consists of 24,111 campus-based students, which is a 3.4% increase over the fall 2023 semester. This was also the largest incoming freshman class in school history. Source: BYU-Idaho Newsroom
- Rexburg City Council approved a $66,000 tennis court conversion into six pickleball courts, to be completed by the spring of 2025. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
Teton County
- Primrose Park opened in Driggs and was funded by Tributary, a private residential community. The park has a playground, soccer field, sand volleyball, basketball and pickleball court. Source: Teton Valley News
- The Idaho Community Foundation awarded grants to:
- Above and Beyond the Classroom Teton Valley – received $7,500 for educational and economic opportunities.
- Community Resource Center of Teton Valley – will receive $2,500 for housing stability efforts.
- Full Circle Education Inc. – will receive $1,000 for educational and economic opportunities.
- Teton Valley Education Foundation – will receive $2,000 for educational opportunities.
- Teton Valley Mental Health Coalition – will receive $2,500 for health and wellness programs.
Source: Teton Valley News
Eastern Idaho residential real estate statistics – September 2023 and 2024
Figure 5.
| Median price sold | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | $462,000 | $439,900 | 5.0% |
| Butte | $241,250 | $269,000 | -10.3% |
| Clark | $240,000 | $224,750 | 6.8% |
| Custer | $499,450 | $500,000 | -0.1% |
| Fremont | $716,225 | $699,000 | 2.5% |
| Jefferson | $523,125 | $560,000 | -6.6% |
| Lemhi | $593,000 | $712,000 | -16.7% |
| Madison | $407,125 | $417,963 | -2.6% |
| Teton | $896,000 | $972,500 | -7.9% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | |||
Figure 6.
| Active listings (inventory) | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 409 | 330 | 23.9% |
| Butte | 14 | 21 | -33.3% |
| Clark | 1 | 2 | -50.0% |
| Custer | 46 | 31 | 48.4% |
| Fremont | 151 | 118 | 28.0% |
| Jefferson | 122 | 101 | 20.8% |
| Lemhi | 60 | 51 | 17.6% |
| Madison | 110 | 89 | 23.6% |
| Teton | 164 | 138 | 18.8% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
Figure 7.
| Median days on market | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 50 | 46 | 8.7% |
| Butte | 78 | 52 | 50.0% |
| Clark | 162 | 26 | 523.1% |
| Custer | 94 | 105 | -10.5% |
| Fremont | 90 | 66 | 36.4% |
| Jefferson | 57 | 60 | -5.0% |
| Lemhi | 80 | 97 | -17.5% |
| Madison | 68 | 57 | 19.3% |
| Teton | 87 | 64 | 35.9% |
| Source: RDC Inventory Core Metrics | #Colspan# | #Colspan# | #Colspan# |
Figure 8.
| Total homes pending sale | Sep-24 | Sep-23 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bonneville | 190 | 169 | 12.4% |
| Butte | 7 | 1 | 600.0% |
| Clark | 2 | N/A | N/A |
| Custer | 7 | 8 | -12.5% |
| Fremont | 34 | 27 | 25.9% |
| Jefferson | 30 | 31 | -3.2% |
| Lemhi | 7 | 6 | 16.7% |
| Madison | 37 | 33 | 12.1% |
| Teton | 172 | 53 | 224.5% |
| 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.
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
Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties
Region
Labor force estimates for July 2024 from the Idaho Department of Labor’s Local Area Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) have both total employment increasing and unemployment increasing in the nine-county eastern region. Seasonally adjusted, July’s preliminary estimates have labor force participants increasing by 1,754 people, with 1,578 more employed people and 176 more unemployed people. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 3.1%, 0.1 percentage points higher than June 2024 and a half a percent higher than July 2023.