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Idaho’s March unemployment rate decreases to 3.6%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2026
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov or  Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased between February and March, from 3.7% to 3.6%.

March’s labor force decreased by 2,286 (-0.2%) people to 1,005,848 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.3 percentage points between February and March, down to 62.4%.

Total employment decreased by 1,921 (-0.2%) to 969,265 and unemployment decreased by 365 (-1.0%) to 36,583. Continue reading →

Unemployment insurance workshop for employers takes place Thursday

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) Thursday, May 7, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The workshop will take place at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Twin Falls office, 458 Parkview Loop.

UI Supervisor Vicki Raass and Workforce Consultant Oscar Escobedo will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Filer volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Little shaking hands with Drew Olsen.A volunteer from Filer was honored for his service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday, April 30.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Drew Olsen with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exceptional volunteer service.

Olsen was nominated by the Filer Senior Haven for his dedicated work supporting their mission to create a warm and welcoming community where older adults can gather, connect and thrive.

Continue reading →

Around Idaho: Economic activity, April 2026

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of April and includes professional sources, news releases, weekly and daily newspapers, television and other media.

Northern Idaho
North central Idaho
Southwestern Idaho
South central Idaho
Southeastern Idaho
Eastern Idaho

NORTHERN IDAHO

Benewah, Bonner, Boundary, Kootenai and Shoshone counties

Regional news

  • The northern region reported 91 average weekly initial unemployment insurance (UI) claims and 1,245 average weekly continuing claims during March 2026. Initial claim volume decreased 32% from the previous month and 48% from the 175 average weekly initial claims filed in March 2025. Continuing weekly claim volume in the northern region decreased 22% from February 2026 and 30% from the 1,771 average weekly claims in March 2025. Overall, weekly volume for both initial and continuing claims decreased statewide compared to last month and March 2025. Source: Idaho Department of Labor
  • The Herschend Family Entertainment Corporation completed the acquisition of Silverwood Theme Park. Silverwood is the largest theme park in the northwest and maintains a seasonal workforce of 1,200 employees. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

Continue reading →

Gov. Little appoints four new commissioners to Serve Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Brad Little appointed four new commissioners to the Serve Idaho Commission, adding to the existing 15.

“The new commissioners bring a passion for volunteerism and AmeriCorps in their communities,” Program Manager Emily Straubhar said. “We are excited to welcome them to the commission to share their expertise in advancing service across Idaho.” Continue reading →

Learn about Idaho’s economy and how income is measured during Labor webinar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2026
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhaur@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Research Analyst Supervisor Sam Wolkenhauer will discuss how income is measured and what those measurements reveal about the ways Idaho is changing during a webinar Tuesday, May 5.

Income is measured in a variety of ways including household income, wages and salary and total personal income. These measures paint a picture about the dynamic changes ongoing in Idaho, including the state’s demographics and economic growth. This webinar will also explore what the income data tells us about Idaho’s urbanization and housing market.

Continue reading →

Connect with employers and learn about Registered Apprenticeships at upcoming Boise expo

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Idaho is hosting its first apprenticeship- focused event, Wednesday, April 29, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. in the conference room of Building 6, 11351 W. Chinden Blvd.

“Whether you’re exploring your first career, looking to improve your skills or trying to connect with industry partners, this is a space where conversations can turn into real career pathways,” Apprenticeship Workforce Development Programs Specialist Morgan Galway said.

Employers and programs planning to attend include Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, Coding Clarified, College of Southern Idaho, Idaho Power, Idaho Rural Water Association, College of Western Idaho, UA Local 296 Plumbers & Pipefitters, Sun Valley Culinary Institute and more.

Continue reading →

Hiring event in Idaho Falls takes place, Wednesday, April 29

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 22, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, April 29, at the department’s Idaho Falls office. The address is 1515 E. Lincoln Road.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Boise Rigging Supply, Cives Steel Company, Everlast Brands, Idaho National Laboratory, KeyBank, Kokusai Semiconductor Equipment Corporation, Lamb Weston, Naval Nuclear Laboratory, TRIO – Idaho State University and more.

Open positions available include sales representatives, support engineers, structural steel welders, payroll specialists, delivery drivers, mechanics, elementary school teachers, research data scientists, lead facility engineers, tellers, forklift operators, patrol officers and others.

Continue reading →

Survey highlights a more stable labor market but continuing retention issues for Idaho employers in 2025

The 2025 Business Climate Survey results show both cautious optimism and continued labor force bottlenecks for Idaho employers. Although the state’s labor situation is cooling to a more balanced market than when the survey was initiated in 2023, the inability for some Idaho employers to attract and retain workers in 2025 continues to result in operational gaps.

Fewer employers looking to add jobs; low expectations to reduce headcount

The share of employers expecting to add jobs over the next five years has gradually decreased over the past three surveys but has been offset by an increase in those expecting to maintain employment at current levels (see Figure 1).

Overall, approximately 90% of Idaho employers expect to either maintain or increase their employee count within the next five years. Inversely, around 9% of employers expect their workforce to shrink — a ratio consistent with the survey responses of the past three years. Continue reading →

Idaho’s February unemployment rate remains at 3.7%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 20, 2026
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or  Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was unchanged between January and February, staying at 3.7%.

February’s labor force decreased by 1,683 (-0.2%) people to 1,008,136 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.1 percentage point between January and February, down to 62.7%.

Total employment decreased by 1,539 (-0.2%) to 971,186 and unemployment decreased by 144 (-0.4%) to 36,950. Continue reading →