Information provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of July 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

Region

• Labor demand in northern Idaho remained stable in June, 2024, with a total of 1,889 unique job postings in the region – a slight uptick from 1,879 in May. While job postings remained mostly unchanged, they came from a larger variety of employers, with 659 different employers posting jobs in June compared to 560 in May. The unemployment rate rose slightly in June from 4.4% to 4.6%. Overall, both total employment and the total labor force in northern Idaho remained slightly higher in June 2024 than in June 2023.

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Kootenai County

• The city of Post Falls approved a large capital improvement project for the major arterial road on Seltice Way. The current road is overlaid on the old U.S. Highway 10 and was deemed a high priority for repair. The project will cost $10 million and is scheduled for completion in the spring of 2025. Source: the Coeur d’Alene Press
• North Idaho State Fair leadership have published a $280 million plan to rejuvenate, renovate and expand the North Idaho Fairgrounds. The full master plan has various phases and will stretch out over multiple decades. The first phase will include a $50 million project to build a new expo hall and livestock buildings which would allow the fairgrounds to host bigger events. Fairground leadership is awaiting approval on a long-term lease by Kootenai County commissioners before they proceed with project fundraising. Source: the Coeur d’Alene Press
• Kootenai County Fire and Rescue opened a new station at the Kootenai County Fairgrounds as part of the department’s ongoing expansion, which will include an additional online station in 2025. Voters approved the expansion project in a 2021 bond initiative, aiming to improve emergency response times and coverage amid rapid population growth in the region. Source: the Coeur d’Alene Press
• The city of Post Falls approved a special use permit for the Panhandle Affordable Housing Alliance to build townhomes and duplexes in the city’s community commercial services zoning district. The project will include a mixture of duplexes, multi-family townhomes and senior apartments. Source: the Coeur d’Alene Press

Openings

• Riverstone Dental Care – Hayden
• Oasis Salon & Spa – Hayden
• 24^th & Main Design + Decor – Coeur d’Alene
• The Little Gym – Post Falls
• Lightning Tool & Manufacturing – Post Falls
• ARG Industrial – Hayden
• Spark Med Spa – Hayden
• Goodwill Industries – Coeur d’Alene
• Upgrade Labs – Coeur d’Alene
• Hayden Lake Eagles RV Park – Hayden Lake
• Emran Restaurant – Coeur d’Alene
• Indigo Urgent Care – Hayden
• Cowpow Foods – Coeur d’Alene

Sam.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2353

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NORTH CENTRAL IDAHO

Clearwater, Idaho, Latah, Lewis and Nez Perce counties

Region

• The Lewis-Clark Valley Healthcare Foundation awarded $77,000 in fast-track grants to 12 organizations within north central Idaho to focus on community efforts to improve health, wellness and prevent disease. Source: KOZE

Nez Perce County

• The Nez Perce Tribe will construct a new rehabilitation center at the Cherrylane Hatchery for female steelhead kelts that have previously spawned and are preparing to come up river to spawn a second time. The wild kelts are currently captured at the Snake River dams, transported by truck to Dworshak and held for one to two years prior to their release below Lower Granite Dam. The fish are reconditioned at Dworshak, but the new facility will be more secure and consistent for transitioning the female steelhead. When the facility is complete in 2026, it will hold up to 750 kelts over the winter at the Nez Perce Tribal Hatchery and employ four full-time employees. Source: The Spokesman-Review
• Clearwater Paper announced plans to sell its private brand tissue operations to Sofidel America Corp for $1.06 billion. Clearwater Paper currently has an annual production capacity of 390,000 tons and 1,600 employees in four facilities located in Las Vegas, Nevada, Lewiston, Idaho, Shelby, North Carolina, and Elwood, Illinois. Sofidel is based in Italy and operates U.S. facilities in Haines City, Florida, Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Clearwater Paper estimates the company held a 5% market share of the U.S. at-home tissue segment in 2023, with sale volumes of 322,000 tons, revenues of $1.02 billion (which is 49% of total company revenue) and an operating income of $91.7 million. Source: Clearwater Paper
• Clearwater Paper’s Lewiston facility was fined $367,000 by the Environmental Protection Agency for failure to disclose a release of toxic chlorine between 2019-2021. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• Lewis-Clark State College will offer an online Master of Science in Nursing in fall 2024. This is the first full master’s degree to ever be offered by the college, and is the only online graduate program of its kind in Idaho. Source: Lewis-Clark State College
• Joseph Regional Medical Center has shown high levels of achievement for heart attack patients over the last two years. As a result, the hospital was one of 259 hospitals awarded the American College of Cardiology’s NCDR Chest Pain – MI Registry Platinum Performance Award for 2024. Source: KOZE
• Lewis-Clark State College’s graphic communications program was recognized by the Idaho Division of Career Technical Education as the 2024 postsecondary exemplary program. The college’s 60-credit associate of applied science degree in graphic communication, prepares students for careers in graphic design, freelance creative work and other occupations. Source: KOZE
• Lewiston, along with Bliss and Pocatello, have been selected to be Idaho sites of a National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure charging station. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• The Brighter Futures Outpatient Clinic by Northwest Children’s Home has moved to a new location on G Street in downtown Lewiston. Source: Northwest Children’s Home

Idaho County

• The Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forest approved two wildfire reduction logging projects near Elk City – the Dixie-Comstock Community Protection and Twentymile. Both logging projects are expected to begin between fall 2024 and spring 2025. The projects involve 2,200 acres of strategic lumber harvest, 6,800 acres of landscape burning, fire break creation and overall wildfire risk reduction. Source: Lewiston Tribune
• Elk Horn Saloon in Elk City is installing gas tanks. Source: Idaho County Free Press
• The Idaho County Fair Board was awarded $100,000 by AgWest Farm Credit to update kitchen facilities for 4-H members to cook and serve food during the Idaho County Fair. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Latah County

• All Gritman Medical Center locations have transitioned to an online health portal to provide patients access to their medical records, as well as the online ability to schedule appointments, communicate with providers, receive test results, refill prescriptions and access billing. Source: Daily Fly
• Moscow & Pullman Building Supply has announced it will be closing its Pullman, Washington, store on Nov. 30. The Moscow location will remain open. Source: Pullman Moscow Building Supply

Lewis County

• The Kamiah High School’s addition for a woodshop is currently under construction with funding from the Idaho Career Ready Students grant. The new addition will include a new portable sawmill for student training. Source: Idaho County Free Press

Openings

• Woody’s On The Prairie bar and grill, Craigmont
• The Hangout — under new ownership, Cottonwood
• Wagon Road Station convenience store, Elk City
• Stafford Fence, Grangeville
• Royal Fibers carpet cleaning, Grangeville
• The Design Center, Orofino
• Sasquatch Wine Bar and Patio, Deary
• Hilltop Property Management, Orofino

Closings

• Moscow Brewing Company, Moscow
• Art UnCorked — will be closing their retail location and pivot to travel classes, Lewiston
• Sweet Water Design antique store, Riggins

Lisa.Grigg@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2256

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SOUTHWESTERN IDAHO

Ada, Adams, Boise, Canyon, Elmore, Gem, Owyhee, Payette, Valley and Washington counties

Region

Figure 1. Southwestern Idaho’s single-family home sales — June 2023 and 2024
Figure 2 and 3. Southwestern Idaho job postings

 

 

 

 

The U.S. Department of the Interior’s Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) program announced its 2024 distribution to counties for federal lands within each county border with population contributing to the calculation. Southwestern counties received about $10.2 million, while the state of Idaho received a total of $41.2 million. The money is intended for essential services and is up to the discretion of each county. Elmore County carries the biggest PILT, justified by the presence of the Mountain Home Airforce Base. Owyhee County is second with the Saylor Creek Bombing Range. Other federal lands include forests, a national monument and grazing areas.

PILT amounts per county:

• Ada – $995,859
• Adams – $587,277
• Boise – $852,901
• Canyon – $63,459
• Elmore – 3,173,146
• Gem – $395,491
• Owyhee – $1,861,028
• Payette – $214,935
• Valley – $982,779
• Washington – $1,027,737

Source: Idaho Capital Sun

Ada County

• The city of Boise adapted its housing pilot to include recreational vehicles (RVs) going forward. LEAP Housing, the non-profit administrator of the city’s test project, reviews the conditions and ensures requirements of space and utility access are met before allowing temporary and legal occupancy for 12 months. The city conducted an analysis on housing needs throughout the community and identified a gap of 21,000 affordable housing units. The hope is that tiny homes and RVs can eventually be a legal option for affordable housing, based on this pilot. Source: KTVB News
• Spring Shores Marina, at Lucky Peak Dam, announced it will close operations around the beginning of August when the lake’s drawdown impacts water levels. Repairs on Turner Gulch Boat Ramp will begin on September 1 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). USACE operates Lucky Peak Dam, whereas Lucky Peak State Park operates the marina with its 298 boat slips, a fuel dock, parking and two launch ramps. Source: Dailyfly
• Intuit announced it will close its Eagle office on September 9, affecting an estimated 160 workers. Plans are to lay off 1,800 workers globally, or 10% of its workforce, to focus more resources on artificial intelligence expansion. Intuit acquired the local start-up T-Sheets in 2016 for $340 million. Some of the workers in Eagle will continue to work remotely, primarily in tech and customer success roles, according to the company. Those losing their jobs will receive a minimum of 16 weeks of pay plus two additional weeks for each year of service. It will also provide health insurance for six months and mental health support. Source: Idaho Statesman
• The College of Western Idaho and Interfaith Sanctuary, a homeless shelter in Boise, are collaborating to offer construction classes to the unhoused. This could be a win-win, getting people back on their feet financially and helping fill jobs in a high-demand industry. The classes are twice weekly for three hours with a certificate awarded depending on a pass/fail grading system. The group will be building picnic tables. Source: KTVB News
• To seal the merger with Kroger, Albertsons announced plans to sell/divest 10 Albertsons stores in Idaho, seven of which are in Boise and Meridian: 10500 W. Overland Road; 5100 W. Overland Road; 909 E. Parkcenter Boulevard; 4700 N. Eagle Road; 6560 S. Federal Way; 3614 W. State Street; and 20 E. Fairview Avenue in Meridian. Currently, the merger is on hold by the state of Colorado until a consumer impact can be examined by a Colorado judge. Both companies have agreed to the temporary pause. The state of Washington’s antitrust division and the Federal Trade Commission have challenged the merger. Source: Idaho Statesman
• JR Simplot Company announced it will move into a new market for its turf and horticulture division, marketing golf course superintendents, landscapers and nursery managers in the state of Florida. After this expansion, the family-owned company will have a presence in 38 states and 26 locations. Source: Capital Press
• Starting January 2025, Alaska Airlines will have a direct flight from Boise to Orlando, Florida, departing three times a week. It will also add a seasonal flight to Bozeman, Montana, five times per week, beginning this December and stopping mid-March 2025. Also starting this December, there will be year-round daily service to the Santa Ana Airport in Orange County, California. Source: Idaho Statesman

Canyon County

• Middleton School District is starting a special education apprenticeship, one of five schools participating in the newly approved program. It requires three years of working in a special education program, with continued mentorship, before heading up a classroom. Source: Idaho Education News
• Caldwell School District is undergoing a financial crisis after a supplemental levy was not approved last May. As a result of the failed levy, middle school and high school parents, or students, will be required to pay a $100 participation fee per sport. Other school districts requiring “pay-to-play” fees include Kuna, Middleton and West Ada. Student activity cards will also require a fee of $50, up from $35. Source: Idaho Education News
• Great American Snacks, owned by Canadian-based McCain Foods, announced it will close its plant in September. This impacts approximately 275 workers. The company is hosting resource events in collaboration with the Idaho Department of Labor, including both internal and external hiring fairs. Source: KTVB News

Elmore County

• LEAP Housing is accepting applications for the new affordable housing complex in Mountain Home called Falcons Landing. There are 136 units, a mixture of rental apartments and homes to buy. The program is funded through a federal grant. Source: KTVB News

Owyhee County

• The American Legion Halls have closed in both Grand View and Homedale. The Lion’s Club was preparing to launch a capital campaign to purchase the property when a local ranching family donated the funds. The Grand View Lion’s Hall will be open to the public and continue to be used as a community gathering spot. The Homedale American Legion Hall was closed by the state with no plans of reopening by another civic group. Source: The Owyhee Avalanche

Valley County

• Camp Morrison on the shore of Payette Lake, originally owned by the Boy Scouts of America with ownership passing onto the new entity Scouting America, was sold to Alscott Real Estate, controller of The Shore-Lodge and the J.A. and Kathryn Albertsons Family Foundation. Valley County assessed the two-parcel property at $7.8 million but the sales price was not disclosed. The scouting non-profit will continue to use Camp Morrison for two more years under the agreement, after which there are no plans for any future developments according to Brian Scott, VP of Alscott Real Estate. Source: The Star-News

Openings

• The Center, Canyon County’s new event venue, carried an estimated cost of $7.6 million and just completed its final punch list – opening in step with the Canyon County Fair. The 45,000 square-foot venue will allow respite from the heat for fair patrons with exhibits and booths located in the air-conditioned venue. The Center will be open year-round and rented out, hoping to defray construction costs over time. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Tesoro’s Tortas and Tacos opened in the west Boise space previously occupied by Senor Fresh. Source: Idaho Statesman
• The Sparrow opened 67 rooms in downtown Boise after renovating the former Safari Inn. Local infographics are part of every room’s art. The Boise Art Museum will design a new lobby installation twice yearly. Form and Function will offer coffee services while Crisp will provide food truck service. Other hotels named after birds and operated by Nest Partners include The Lark in Bozeman, The Wren in Missoula and the Finch in Walla Walla. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Tamarack’s Osprey Meadows Golf Course opened its final 10 holes of a 19-hole course that was reconstructed by Trent Jones II architects. The 19 hole is a par-three referred to as the gambler’s hole or ‘Double Down’ and each of the holes offer a 360-degree view of meadows, lakes and mountains. There are water features on 70% of the fairways making for challenging play. Source: The Star-News
• Keystone Center for Geriatrics opened in downtown Boise, its third clinic in the Treasure Valley. It is the only private practice geriatric clinic in the Treasure Valley, staffing a physician, physician assistant and two nurse practitioners. Source: Idaho Press
• A grand opening was held for the new 27,000 square feet Kuna Boys & Girls Club. The facility offers K-fifth graders breakfast, lunch and a snack for $25 weekly. There is a gym, a technology lab, an art room, a green house and walking path to name a few amenities. Childcare is operated by Giraffe Laugh and serves 66 children from birth to pre-K. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Boise Booch Brewery & Taproom celebrated its grand opening in Boise offering primarily kombucha, alcoholic and nonalcoholic. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Terroir Bistro opened in downtown Boise. The space was previously occupied by Little Pearl Oyster Bar. Terroir’s chef was a James Beard Award finalist and previously ran a popular food truck. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Smoking Iron BBQ opened in Meridian in the space formerly occupied by Los Mariachis near the Speedway. This is a Texas-born operator bringing old-school smoking methods to the Treasure Valley. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Clubhound held its grand opening in Garden City, welcoming both the canine community and their humans. There is lots of space for the dogs to run, Alchemist Coffee will provide a full-service, indoor kiosk and local beer, wine, kombucha and kava will be sold, with a rotating food truck on hand. Source: Idaho Statesman

Closures

• Homestead Bar & Grill of Meridian closed unexpectedly after serving the community for eight years. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Shi Sushi and Spirits located in Caldwell announced it will close after four and half years of operation. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Koko Bell Korean Street Food in Meridian closed with plans to eventually reopen in a Boise location. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Lulu’s Pizza & Sushi closed its second location — again. It closed in mid-2023 and reopened in November. It is popular with a nearby high school, which may explain the timing of each closure. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Edge Brewing Company closed after making cider and ready-to-drink cocktails for a decade. The company also produces whisky under the Edge label. Western Collective bought the brewery and will continue to produce the products and sell within its Garden City brewery and restaurant complex in downtown Boise. Source: Idaho Statesman
• Bao Boi closed its downtown Boise operation in the Warehouse Food Hall. It is relocating to The Boardwalk Apartment Homes in Garden City. The restaurant offered steam bun sandwiches and Japanese curry for two years to downtowners. Source: Idaho Statesman

Jan.Roeser@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2172

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SOUTH CENTRAL IDAHO

Blaine, Camas, Cassia, Gooding, Jerome, Lincoln, Minidoka and Twin Falls counties

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Blaine County

• St. Luke’s Wood River dermatology department has received a pulse-dye laser that can treat a variety of skin conditions including rosacea and warts. Due to a lack of infrastructure, this service used to require outside referrals but can now be done in the Wood River Valley. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• St. Luke’s Wood River Medical Center has purchased a state-of-the-art computed tomography scanner that can capture 64 separate images per rotation. Investing in this machinery helps keep patients who need it from traveling to Twin Falls or Boise, allowing for more localized care. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• The 51-unit workforce housing project in Ketchum, “Bluebird Village” is expected to be completed by the end of summer or early fall. There is a preference policy that will apply to those who work in “public service” roles such as health care professionals, firefighters and schoolteachers, as well as those working locally. Source: Idaho Mountain Express
• The Sun Valley Resort began clearing Bald Mountain for course construction to host the 2025 Alpine World Cup finals. The resort plans to install 2,000 feet of snowmaking lines, in addition to crews clearing over seven acres of trees to reduce hazards on the course. The resort also plans on installing safety fencing to keep the racers safe, along with 8,500 feet of communications line from the top to the bottom of Bald Mountain. The total project is expected to be complete by September. Source: Idaho Mountain Express

Cassia County

• The Cassia County School District had a groundbreaking event for their new diesel mechanic shop at the Cassia Regional Technical Center. The new building will give high school students real-world experience working in diesel and auto programs. Source: KMVT
  Twin Falls County

Twin Falls County

• The American Red Cross has opened a new donation center in Twin Falls. The center offers appointments on Mondays and Fridays, with mobile services the other days of the week. Source: KMVT

Openings

• Retail Therapy Boutique – Twin Falls
• Les Schwab Tires – Gooding

Seth.Harrington@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2364

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SOUTHEASTERN IDAHO

Bannock, Bear Lake, Bingham, Caribou, Franklin, Oneida and Power counties

Region

In June 2024, there were 939 unique online job postings in the southeastern Idaho labor market area, up 12% from the prior month at 835, but up 18% over the year at 795. The median job posting duration was 10 days, up one day from May and down nine days from June 2023.

Figure 1.

The top occupational families by unique online job postings in southeastern Idaho for June were health care practitioners and technical, sales, and transportation and material moving. Figure 1 denotes, among specific occupations, registered nurses were at the top of the list with 72 unique online postings, followed by retail salespersons (52), heavy and tractor trailer drivers (46), physicians (28) and cardiologists (27).

Figure 2.

Professional and business services, and education and health services were at the top of broadly defined industries by unique online job postings in June. Looking at specific industries, in Figure 2, employment placement, temporary help services, and general medical and surgical hospitals once again had the most unique job postings. There were year-over-year increases in other industries as well, including government support, up by 48%, employment placement and temporary help, up by 38%, general medical, up by 47%, convenience stores, up by 54%, and credit unions, up by 69%.

Figure 3.

As shown in Figure 3, sales and related and health care industries stood out in June for the median number of days an occupational job posting is listed. Merchandise displayers had the greatest duration with 14 days, followed by cashiers with 13 days, retail sales with 10 days, physicians with 10 days, and hospitalists with 10 days. All occupations were new to June’s hardest-to-fill occupations list, except physicians.

Region news

• Gov. Little signed a historic executive order at Idaho State University regarding water rights and the Eastern Snake River Plane Aquifer. The order, called the Protecting Idaho Water Sovereignty Act, aims to improve understanding the aquifer through collaboration with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, farmers, ranchers, universities and industries to improve water supply modeling technology. Source: Post Register
• According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Water Supply Outlook Report, released in June, yearly precipitation totals ended up at 106 to 120% of normal south of the Snake River plain. Source: the Natural Resources Conservation Service

Bannock County

• Crash Champions, a national auto body repair company, opened a shop in Pocatello. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Dutch Bros Coffee opened in Pocatello. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Sorensen Brothers Co., a chocolate bar vendor, opened in Pocatello. Source: KPVI
• A new UPS Store opened in Pocatello. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Onsemi, a technology company formerly known as ON Semiconductor, is closing its facility in Pocatello. Source: East Idaho News
• The city of Pocatello would like to purchase the existing baling facility at Western Recycling to bale their own collected recyclables. The material would be trucked to Republic Services for sorting to recoup the commodity value. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Extreme Rush, a 60,000-square-foot development project in Chubbuck, with a family fun center and several pickleball courts, is expected to open spring 2025. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Idaho State University opened its newly renovated Jared Allen Strength and Conditioning Center with new equipment and remodel from a $500,000 donation. Source: KPVI
• A $145,000 grant from Lowe’s will be used to provide ADA updates to restrooms at the Pocatello Senior Center in partnership with Lowe’s Hometown Project. Source: KIFI
• The Bannock County Historical Museum reopened after repairing and remodeling the aging building. Source: East Idaho News
• A new waterslide was constructed at the Ross Park Aquatic Complex in Pocatello. Source: KIFI
• Golden K Recycling in Pocatello suffered damaged equipment and exterior from a structural fire. Source: East Idaho News
• Nearly 3,400 patrons attended the second annual Mystic Realms Fantasy Fair at Bannock County Event Center. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
• The Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cuttings at The UPS Store, 1st Choice Urgent Care, Clifford Family Medicine, Pleasant Valley Townhomes, Pocatello Regional Airport, American Staffing Inc., BBSI, Beard St. Clair Gaffney, Chubbuck Days Celebration and Intermountain Claims. Source: Pocatello-Chubbuck Chamber of Commerce
• Median home listing prices in Bannock County in June marginally increased from last month to $429,900 but decreased 3% over the year. Active home listings increased 18% month over month and 58% year over year. Median days on the market increased by three days to 40. New listings were down 13% from the month prior. Listing prices for 108 homes in inventory dropped in June, up 15% over the month.  Source: Realtor.com

Bear Lake County

• Median home listing prices in Bear Lake County in June increased 3% from last month to $714,500 and 59% from this time last year. Active home listings increased 15% month over month and 52% year over year. Median days on the market increased by six days to 80. New listings were down 54% from the month prior. Listing prices for 20 homes in inventory dropped in June, up 67% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Bingham County

• Southern Scoops ice cream shop opened in Blackfoot. Source: Idaho State Journal
• AgWest Farm Credit awarded a grant to the city of Aberdeen to be used as a community impact project. Source: Aberdeen Times
• Intermountain Gas Company now has a franchise agreement with the city of Aberdeen. Source: Aberdeen Times
• The city of Aberdeen received a grant to build ADA-compliant restrooms at Wahlen Field. Source: Aberdeen Times
• Median home listing prices in Bingham County in June increased 5% from last month to $471,950 but decreased 1% over the year. Active home listings increased 30% month over month and 6% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by 12 days to 41. New listings were up 30% from the month prior. Listing prices for 32 homes in inventory dropped in May, up 33% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Caribou County

• Sagebrush Steppe Land Trust acquired 920 acres of ranchland and wildlife habitat from the Idaho Foundation for Parks and Lands at Kackley Ranch. Source: Idaho State Journal
• Median home listing prices in Caribou County marginally increased from last month to $355,000 and 2% from this time last year. Active home listings increased 28% month over month and 33% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by nine days to 49. New listings decreased 50% from the month prior. Eight homes were in inventory that reduced their listing prices, no change over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Franklin County

• New establishments in Preston include Brock Fruit Enterprises, Convergent Corp., Warp Zone, Pizza Stop & Go, RK Tek, Summit Creek Counseling LLC., Northern Glass Pros and Health West Inc. Source: Preston Citizen
• Stokes Market has committed $100,000 towards the Oneida Stake Academy restoration in Preston. Source: Preston Citizen
• The Franklin County Medical Center has implemented a new, comprehensive mental health program utilizing the Collaborative Care Model in partnership with Fitz Ilias. Source: Preston Citizen
• Property acquired from Franklin County Medical Center in Preston will be converted into soccer and softball fields. Source: Preston Citizen
• West Side School District is partnering with Idaho Fish and Game for a first aid, firearm safety and conservation course, for all fifth graders, as part of the 2024-2025 curriculum. Source: Preston Citizen
• A general services agreement with Jones & DeMille for the downtown Preston revitalization project was approved. Source: Preston Citizen
• Median home listing prices in Franklin County in June increased 2% from last month to $515,000 and 8% from this time last year. Active home listings increased 14% month over month and 36% year over year. Median days on the market increased by eight days to 47. New listings decreased 33% from the month prior. Listing prices for 20 homes in inventory dropped in June, up 100% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Oneida County

• The 18th annual Malad Valley Welsh Festival was held commemorating traditions and culture of early settlers. Source: KIFI
• Median home listing prices in Oneida County in June increased 41% over the month to $450,000 and 30% over the year. Active home listings increased 16% month over month but decreased 5% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by 11 days to 30. New listings decreased 67% from the month prior. Listing prices for four homes in inventory decreased 33% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Power County

• The College of Southern Idaho Head Start and Early Head Start program in American Falls held a groundbreaking. The program has served over 1,240 families and children in the last 31 years. Source: Power County Press
• The Willow Bay Food Bank in American Falls received a generous monetary donation from Bingham Ag Country Store customers and farmers, matched by the Hall Foundation. Source: Power County Press
• AgWest Farm Credit awarded a grant to American Falls Theatre Guild to be used as a community impact project. Source: Aberdeen Times
• American Falls School District awarded their first ever Seals of Biliteracy to 15 high school graduates who exhibited Spanish-English proficiency through rigorous assessment tests. Source: Power County Press
• Acute Rescue, a private ambulance company, recently visited American Falls to fill an employment deficit in Power County’s emergency medical services schedule. Source: Power County Press
• Massacre Rocks State Park closed for upgrades to the boat ramp, a parking area expansion, new picnic shelters, sidewalks and a gravel path. Source: Power County Press
• Power County Emergency Medical Services purchased a new Lucas device for compressions with a recent grant award. Source: Power County Press
• Median home listing prices in Power County in June decreased 9% from last month to $397,000 and 14% over the year. Active home listings increased 10% month over month but decreased 3% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by one day to 51. There were no new listings over the month and homes in inventory that reduced their listing prices over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Brandon.Duong@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 236-6715

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EASTERN IDAHO

Bonneville, Butte, Clark, Custer, Fremont, Jefferson, Lemhi, Madison and Teton counties

Region

Figure 1.
There were an estimated 1,022 unique job postings in the eastern Idaho labor market for June 2024, according to the Conference Board: Help Wanted Online. (Note: This is data for regional online job postings and not necessarily data for job openings). The 1,022 postings were a 10% decrease from 1,135 the prior month and an 11% decrease from the 1,146 postings year over year. Figure 1 shows heavy and tractor trailer drivers were again at the top of the list for occupations of unique (deduplicated) job postings this month. Retail sale supervisors replaced general and operations managers in the top five of job postings by occupation since last month. Freight and material laborers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives, merchandise displayers, technical and scientific sales representatives were new to the June top 10 list. Employer hiring demand from a job postings perspective increased 29% for heavy truck drivers, 33% for retail salespersons, 6% for registered nurses and 29% for retail supervisors. Conversely, job postings decreased 33% for general and operations managers and 38% for customer service representatives.

Figure 2.

Figure 2 shows health care and social assistance replaced professional, scientific and technical services were at the top of eastern Idaho regional rankings of industries by unique job postings in June. Manufacturing replaced public administration in the top five industry postings this month. Construction, education services, finance and insurance, manufacturing and transportation and material handling all increased in job postings. Conversely, professional, scientific, technical services, retail trade, health care, social services, public administration, and accommodation and food service industries decreased in job postings.

Figure 3.

June 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. Figure 3 shows included occupations were construction laborers, stocker and order fillers, retail salespersons, and general and operations managers. Hardest-to-fill job posting challenges in June by occupational family were transportation and material moving and sales and related. All occupations except construction laborers and cashiers were new to this month’s hardest-to-fill jobs list.

Region news

• The Teton Pass was reopened by the Wyoming Department of Transportation with a temporary detour for commuters to Jackson, Wyoming, after the Highway 22 collapse three weeks prior. The agency hopes to have a permanent rebuild by November. Construction traffic has heightened with the tourist season. The Wyoming Department of Transportation estimates Highway 22 sees 10,000 vehicles per day on average, rising to nearly 15,000 vehicles in the summer. Source: Boise State University Public Radio
• According to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s Water Supply Outlook Report, released in June, the Lost and Wood basins received 85 to 90% of normal precipitation. The Salmon basin stands at 87% of normal. The Upper Snake basins register between 97 and 112% of normal. South of the Snake River Plain, precipitation yearly totals ended up at 106 to 120% of normal. Source: The Natural Resources Conservation Service
• During this round of funding, 11 of the 17 proposals from the Idaho National Laboratory have been awarded $7.5 million by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Technology Commercialization Fund. This supports the commercialization of the DOE, the department’s national lab plant and site technologies, as well as buildout of lab commercialization. Source: Idaho Business Review
• The Idaho Cancer Center at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls has received accreditation from the American College of Radiology, making it the only cancer provider in Idaho with this credential. Source: Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center
• The Idaho National Laboratory hosted an expo showcasing its latest achievements in artificial intelligence and machine learning. The lab hopes to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to get new research insights and enhance its core research capabilities. Source: KIFI
• Dr. Lori Barber was selected as the second president of the College of Eastern Idaho. Her term begins Aug. 1. Source: Idaho Business Review

Bonneville County

• Airfield Ag opened and has been using drones for crop dusting for farmers in northern Utah and eastern Idaho. It also services and sells drones for agricultural use. Source: East Idaho News
• The Little Play Hut opened in Idaho Falls with ball pits, a playhouse, interactive electronic games, reading and a sensory area. Source: East Idaho News
• Reed’s Dairy broke ground for a new production facility in Idaho Falls after losing the previous one to a fire. Source: Post Register
• Winnie & Mo’s Bookshop in Idaho Falls was selected as one of 500 recipients for a $10,000 Backing Small Businesses grant. The program supports economically vulnerable and under-resourced small businesses with community reach and/or cultural significance. Source: Post Register
• According to the Idaho Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau, the city hosted over 300 meetings and conventions in 2022, having an estimated economic impact of $15 million. The occupancy rate for hotels in Idaho Falls averaged around 70% during the peak convention season. Source: Idaho Business Review
• The Virtual Preparatory Academy program for Idaho Falls School District 91 is shutting down. ACCEL Schools was the contractor running the program. Source: East Idaho News
• After over a month of negotiations and mediation, Idaho Falls School District 91 and the Idaho Falls Education Association agreed to a new teacher contract, which included a 1.8% wage increase and one-time payments. Source: Post Register
• Ammon City Hall is undergoing a remodel and expansion, budgeted at $3 million, doubling the building size. Source: East Idaho News
• The Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce announced ribbon cuttings and/or groundbreaking ceremonies at Caribou Bark Park. 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
• Median home listing prices in Bonneville County in June increased 2% to $489,900 from last month and 8% over the year. Active home listings increased 13% month over month and 12% year over year. Median days on the market increased by four days to 37. There were 7% fewer new listings over the month. Listing prices for164 homes in inventory dropped in June, up 21% over the month.

Butte County

• Atomic Days in Arco brought in 25 vendors, a parade, a rodeo and more. Source: KPVI
• Median home listing prices in Butte County in June increased 13% to $257,500 over the month, but decreased 9% over the year. Active home listings decreased 3% month over month but increased  43% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by seven days to 77. There were 100% more new listings than the month prior. Listing prices for four homes in inventory dropped in June. Source: Realtor.com

Clark County

• Dubois experienced a sudden deluge of Mormon crickets eating shrubs, grasses, fruit trees, grains, vineyards and fields. The Idaho State Department of Agriculture provided chemical pesticide and bait, making farmers and residents responsible for their use. Source: East Idaho News
• Median home listing prices in Clark County in June increased 7% from last month to $255,750, but decreased 51% over the year. Active home listings increased 100% month over month, but had no change over the year. Median days on the market increased by 24 days to 98. Source: Realtor.com

Custer County

• The Bench Lake Fire in the Sawtooth Wilderness necessitated the closure of the Redfish Lake recreation complex including the lodge, associated buildings, roads, trails, trailheads and campgrounds. The fire has burned 2,037 acres at only 3% containment and 331 personnel are on-site. Source: Post Register
• Construction of a new water reservoir for the city of Challis has started early. The 300,000-gallon water storage tank is part of a $6.9 million water project. Source: Challis Messenger
• Median home listing prices in Bannock County in June increased 5% to $649,000 over the month and 49% year over year. Active home listings decreased 1% month over month but increased 3% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by 55 days to 72. New listings dropped 67% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Fremont County

• The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality approved a $4.3 million drinking water construction loan to the county’s Big Twelve Water Association. Source: Rexburg Standard Journal
• The Henry’s Fork Wildlife Alliance is partnering with a variety of wildlife organizations for a community festival at Harriman State Park including Island Park and surrounding regions. About 200 people are already expected to attend. Source: the Henry’s Fork Wildlife Alliance
• The third annual Island Park Festival brought in more than 200 vendors across the U.S. and 12 food trucks. Source: East Idaho News
• Median home listing prices in Fremont County in June decreased 3% to $650,000 over the month and 5% over the year. Active home listings increased 32% month over month and 91% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by eight days to 46. New listings increased 18% over the month. Listing prices for 44 homes in inventory dropped in June, up 120% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Jefferson County

• The Community Family Clinic in Rigby held a grand opening of the new Federally Qualified Health Clinic. A $1 million Community Facilities Emergency Rural Health Care Program grant was awarded to the Community Council of Idaho in support of opening the clinic. Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Office
• The County Board of Commissioners approved a short plat for an eight-lot subdivision, Triple Horse Ranch, on 400 N. near Roberts. Source: Jefferson Star
• Rigby City Council approved Rigby Ace Hardware’s zoning change from industrial to commercial for a parking lot. Source: Jefferson Star
• County Commissioners approved a zoning change at the County Line Landfill and some of the surrounding lots from R-5 to heavy industrial. They also approved a zoning change for the city of Menan’s impact area from an R-5 to an Ag-10 zone. Source: Jefferson Star
• Median home listing prices in Bannock County in June decreased 4% over the month to $575,000, but increased  3% over the year. Active home listings increased 10% month over month but decreased  14% year over year. Median days on the market increased by six days to 40. New listings decreased 25% from the month prior. Listings prices for 36 homes in inventory dropped in June, up 64% in over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Lemhi County

• Revival Gold is mapping and surface sampling underexplored mining areas via ground magnetic surveys in the Leesburg Basin, Sharkey and Ridge target areas this summer. Following this, a draft plan of operations for Beartrack-Arnett mine will begin. Source: Challis Messenger
• Electra Battery Materials recycles electric vehicle battery materials for reuse at their demonstration plant in Canada. The program was awarded $5 million from the Canadian government’s Natural Resources. Electra has a cobalt-copper exploration effort underway at the Idaho Cobalt Belt within the county. Source: Challis Messenger
• Median home listing prices in Lemhi County in June increased 2% to $650,000 month over month, but decreased 8% over the year. Active home listings increased 18% month over month and 12% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by one day to 46. New listings were up 14% over the month. Listing prices for eight homes in inventory dropped in June, up 100% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Madison County

• JB’s Restaurant in Rexburg has closed permanently. Source: East Idaho News
• Whitefield Global, a hemp processing plant in Rexburg, contracted for about 1,200 acres last year. This year’s total approaches 2,000. Idaho hemp acreage more than doubled again in 2024, the state’s third growing season. Source: Capitol Press
• Median home listing prices in Madison County in June decreased 4% to $429,500 over the month and 2% over the year. Active home listings increased 10% month over month and 14% year over year. Median days on the market increased by four days to 55. New listings increased 5% over the month. Listing prices for 36 homes in inventory dropped in June, up 13% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Teton County

• Teton Pass, Teton County, the cities of Victor, Driggs, Tetonia, Teton Regional Economic Coalition and community nonprofits worked collaboratively to support commuters, businesses and travelers during the natural disaster closure. They helped to provide resources including transportation, financial, child care and loans among other forms of assistance. Source: Teton Valley News
• Median home listing prices in Teton County in June decreased 30% to $644,500 month over month and 27% year over year with 151 active listings. Active home listings increased 79% month over month and 38% year over year. Median days on the market decreased by 25 days.  New listings increased 16% from the month prior. Listing prices for 16 homes in inventory dropped in June, down 11% over the month. Source: Realtor.com

Ryan.Whitesides@labor.idaho.gov, regional economist
Idaho Department of Labor
(208) 696-2347

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This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY24 as part of a Workforce Information grant (48%) and state/nonfederal funds (52%) totaling $704,259.