NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Oct. 20, 2023
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov
or John.Panter@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho third in the nation for over-the-year nonfarm job growth

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased in September, rising by one-tenth of a percent to 3.1% from 3% in August.

September’s labor force increased by 2,171 people (0.2%) to 969,376.

Idaho’s labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are employed or looking for work if unemployed — remained at 62.4% in September.

Total employment increased by 852 (0.1%) to 939,110 as unemployment increased by 1,319 (4.6%) to 30,266 — the highest number of unemployed in Idaho since June 2021.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs increased by 4,200 (0.5%) to 860,700 in September. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains include state government (5.5%), financial activities (2.4%), durable goods manufacturing (1.9%), information (1%), accommodation and food services (0.9%), retail trade (0.9%) and federal government (0.7%).

Industries with the largest job declines in September were natural resources (-2.4%); other services (-1.4%); arts, entertainment and recreation (-0.7%); and construction (-0.6%).

All of Idaho’s six Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) experienced over-the-month nonfarm job increases in September. Twin Falls saw the largest increase with 1%, followed by Boise (0.8%), Idaho Falls (0.7%), Lewiston (0.7%), Coeur d’Alene (0.5%) and Pocatello (0.5%).

Year over Year

Idaho’s September unemployment rate of 3.1% was three-tenths of a percent higher than a year ago. The labor force was up 1.5%, an increase of 14,775 people.

The number of unemployed Idahoans increased 13% (3,475) over the same period. Total employment was 1.2% (11,300) higher.

Total nonfarm jobs increased by 3% (24,900), ranking Idaho third in the nation for over-the-year nonfarm job gains, behind Nevada at 3.4% and Texas at 3.2%.

Most major industry sectors gained jobs except manufacturing (-3.4%); natural resources (-2.4%); real estate and rental and leasing (-0.9%); and transportation, warehousing and utilities (-0.3%).

All of Idaho’s MSAs saw year-over-year nonfarm job gains in September. Idaho Falls saw the greatest increase at 4.5%, followed by Coeur d’Alene (3.7%), Boise (3.2%), Pocatello
(3.0%), Twin Falls (2.8%) and Lewiston (0.7%).

National Comparisons

Nationally, the unemployment rate remained at 3.8% between August and September. The number of unemployed was essentially unchanged over the month, staying at 6.4 million. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 336,000 (0.2%) to 156.9 million.

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Upcoming Idaho Release Schedule:
Nov. 17, 2023: Statewide and substate labor force and nonfarm jobs data for October 2023
Dec. 22, 2023: Statewide and substate labor force and nonfarm jobs data for November 2023

Find more labor market information at lmi.idaho.gov

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This project is 100% funded by the U.S. Department of Labor as part of an Employment and Training Administration award totaling $695,785.