Idaho November unemployment rate edges up to 3.3%

-State second in nation for nonfarm job growth at 3.1%-

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased to 3.3% in November from 3.2% in October.

The state’s labor force increased by 2,771 people (0.3%) to 973,924.

Idaho’s labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work – increased from October’s 62.4% to 62.5% in November.

Total employment increased by 2,017 (0.2%) to 941,711 as unemployment increased by 754 (2.4%) to 32,213.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs decreased by 500 (-0.1%) to 862,000 in November. Industries that experienced job declines included arts, entertainment and recreation (-1.5%); other services (-1.1%); retail trade (-1.1%); wholesale trade (-0.8%); and nondurable goods manufacturing (-0.7%).

Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains included information (1%), federal government (0.7%), financial activities (0.7%), healthcare and social services (0.6%), and private educational services (0.6%).

Three of Idaho’s six Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) had over-the-month nonfarm job increases in November. Twin Falls saw the largest increase with 0.6%, followed by Coeur d’Alene (0.5%) and Pocatello (0.2%). Lewiston and Idaho Falls saw decreases of 0.7% and 0.4%, respectively. Boise did not experience any notable changes.

Year over Year

Idaho’s 3.3% unemployment rate for November 2023 was up from 2.8% the prior year. The labor force was up 2%, an increase of 19,069 people.

The number of unemployed Idahoans increased 21.4% (5,674) over the same period. Total employed was 1.4% (13,395) higher.

Total nonfarm jobs increased by 3.1% (26,100) – the second highest percentage change in the nation. Most major industry sectors gained jobs except arts, entertainment, and recreation (-6.3%); nondurable goods manufacturing (-5.5%); real estate and rental and
leasing (-1.7%); and retail trade (-1.1%).

Five of Idaho’s MSAs saw year-over-year nonfarm job gains in November. Idaho Falls had the greatest increase at 4%, followed by Boise (3.9%), Pocatello (3.8%), Coeur d’Alene (2.9%) and Twin Falls (2.8%). Lewiston experienced no observable change.

National Comparisons

Nationally, the unemployment rate decreased between October and November, falling to 3.7%. The number of unemployed decreased by 215,000 to 6.3 million. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 199,000 (0.1%) to 157.1 million.