Monthly Archives: December 2022

2022 population estimates place Idaho second in the nation for percent growth

The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Idaho’s July 2022 population at 1,939,033, an increase of 1.8% from July 2021, ranking it second nationally in percentage growth. Idaho grew about four times faster than the national growth rate of 0.4%.

The new Census estimate shows Idaho’s population growth is slowing down to 2016 levels, falling below its five-year average growth rate of 2.3%. For the first time in five years, the state was not in the top spot for new residents.

Florida outpaced all 50 states and the District of Columbia adding 416,754 new residents — up 1.9%.

Numerically, Idaho is 10th in the nation for its population increase of 34,719 people. In 2021 the state ranked ninth in the nation and swelled by more than 50,000 people.

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Idaho workplace deaths declined to 30 in 2021

Photo of highway

Bureau of Labor Statistics researchers documented 30 fatal occupational injuries in Idaho in 2021. Though the trend over the decade has been a slight increase in workplace fatalities, the 30 deaths in 2021 represent a decline from 2020 when 32 fatalities occurred.

Key findings

  • Workplace fatalities in Idaho declined slightly in 2021 with 30 recorded deaths, down from 32 the year prior.
  • Transportation remains the largest contributor to workplace fatalities whether measured by occupation, industry, event or location.
  • Idaho recorded no workplace fatalities among women in 2021. 2019 and 2020 each saw three workplace fatalities among women.
  • 85% of all workplace deaths in Idaho in 2021 occurred among white workers.

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Idaho 7th youngest state in the nation, swapping spots with Nebraska

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 20, 2022
Media Contact: Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho continues to be one of the youngest states in the nation with a median age of 36.8 years, ranking seventh according to recently released results from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2017-2021 American Community Survey.

This is an increase of 3.1% from the previous Census demographic survey, which covered the 2012-2016 population of the 50 states, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico’s median age grew the fastest at 9.4% and North Dakota was the slowest with no change.

Other data on age, workforce characteristics, income, migration, and housing and households reveal more information about Idaho’s populace.

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The post-COVID outlook for Idaho health care workers

Poto of health care workers

A study by Idaho Department of Labor economist Matthew Paskash analyzes the impact of COVID-19 on health care workers by comparing pre-pandemic, current and projected data in the areas of employment and wages, job postings, health care program completions and Idaho Department of Labor occupational and industry projections. The study also examines additional insights from stakeholder interviews and a survey of health care workers.

This analysis concludes with an anticipated near-to-medium-term outlook of shortages of health care practitioners in Idaho. To combat these shortages, the state may explore efforts in attracting health care workers, expanding education and training programs, and stemming the outflow of health care practitioners to other states.

Read the Executive Summary here.

This Idaho Department of Labor project is 100% funded by USDOL as part of two Employment and Training Administration awards totaling $695,785.

Idaho’s November unemployment rate up slightly to 3%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 16, 2022
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3% in November, edging up from October’s 2.9%.

November’s labor force – which is composed of both employed and unemployed workers — increased by 1,930 people (0.2%) to 963,380. Total employment increased by 1,474 (0.2%) to 934,756. The total number of people unemployed and looking for work increased by 456 (1.6%) to 28,624.

Labor force participation decreased by 0.1 percentage points to 62.5% as the civilian population increased at a faster rate than the labor force.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs increased by 500 to 827,400 in November. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains include arts, entertainment and recreation (4.8%); private educational services (1.4%); construction (1.3%); state government (0.9%); and health care and social services (0.7%).

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Idaho Department of Labor earns recognition from Tableau

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 6, 2022
Media Contact: Salvador.Vazquez@labor.idaho.gov

The Department of Labor’s research team has earned recognition for the visual way they display Idaho’s weekly unemployment claim data on Idaho’s labor market information page.

The department received the recognition from Tableau, a visual analytics platform that uses data to solve problems. Labor’s charts and data were featured on Tableau’s website as an example of an interactive government data visualization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Governor’s Commission on Volunteerism seeking commission applicants

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Dec. 6, 2022
Media Contact: Renee.Bade@labor.idaho.gov

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, is seeking applicants from across the state to serve a three-year term.

The commission is seeking the following individuals:

  • A representative from a local labor organization.
  • A representative from a local Indian tribe.
  • A representative from higher education.
  • A representative from the volunteer sector.
  • A representative with experience in promoting the involvement of older adults (ages 55 and older) in volunteer service.

Gov. Little will select and appoint members. To learn more about commissioner requirements visit Serve Idaho Resources.

All interested applicants should contact Renee Bade at renee.bade@labor.idaho.gov for application information. Applications must be submitted to Serve Idaho by Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, for consideration.

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