Monthly Archives: November 2025

Around Idaho: Economic activity, November 2025

Map of IdahoInformation provided in these news updates is collected up until the end of November 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 regional housing market remains strong, according to the Coeur d’Alene Regional Realtors. Median prices on single family homes increased 4.1% year over year in October, while year to date home sales increased 3.6% in Kootenai County. Median prices and sales also increased in Shoshone County by 3.9% and 6.4% respectively. Source: Coeur d’Alene Press

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Despite an aging population, Idaho’s labor force is getting younger

Idaho was one of the fastest growing states over the past decade, cresting 2 million residents in 2024. While the state’s average age increased from 35.9 in 2014 to 37.8 in 2024, this was still relatively younger than the national average of 39.1.1

From 2014-2024, the population of Idahoans age 16+ increased by 27.5% — more than triple the national rate of 8.3%. Similarly, the state’s labor force increased by 30.5%, as compared with the 7.8% increase nationwide.2

The changing demographics of Idaho’s general population have impacted its labor force and labor force-eligible population (defined as those over the age of 16 who are not a full-time student, member of the military or incarcerated). The effects of in-migration, the displacement of older workers and an increased participation among women and youth can be seen in the age and gender breakdown of the data.

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Idaho grows its waste management workforce

Employment needs within Idaho’s waste management industry remain reliably consistent over time, reflecting the essential nature of the services it provides. Trash doesn’t take a day off and continues to be generated even during the coldest months of winter, the worst economic recessions and amid unpredictable 100-year pandemics. While trash volume will be dictated in part by consumer behavior, it is more closely associated with population growth.

Between 2014-2024, Idaho added 370,000 new residents and led the nation with a population growth rate of 23%. This was more than three times the U.S. growth rate of 7%.¹ During the same period, as shown in Figure 1, privatized waste management employment in Idaho added more than 2,000 jobs and increased by 98% (compared with 23% growth for the U.S. waste management sector). Like population, Idaho’s private waste management employment experienced the highest growth rate of any U.S. state.²

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Report sheds light on past 20 years of economic growth in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

Rural Idaho plays a crucial role in the state’s economy and its future. Natural resources, manufacturing and renewable energy production continue to remain central to rural livelihoods, according to a report released this week from the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Profile of Rural Idaho provides an updated look at the state’s rural identity in 2025 and its evolution over the past 20 years since the previous profile was released in 2005. The report is divided into three parts analyzing demographic trends, the economic backbone of rural Idaho and the critical trends shaping the state’s future. Continue reading →

Boise man sentenced for unemployment insurance fraud

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 19, 2025
Media Contact: Darlene.Carnopis@labor.idaho.gov

Bryan Hayhurst, 39, of Boise, pleaded guilty to one felony count of Misrepresentation to Obtain Unemployment Benefits, which is a felony punishable by up to five years in prison. Hayhurst was sentenced by Ada County Judge Peter Barton on Nov. 19 to five years in prison, with two years fixed and three years indeterminate. Hayhurst was also ordered to pay restitution of $16,083.08 to the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Labor Department requires unemployment insurance (UI) claimants to report accurately when filing each week of their claim. In this case, between April 2020 through July 2020, Hayhurst claimed he had not worked when he had worked and earned wages.

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Webinar spotlights two decades of economic change in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 12, 2025
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a webinar focusing on the past 20 years of growth in rural Idaho, Tuesday, Nov. 18.

“Idaho’s population has grown three times as fast as the U.S. This webinar will bring together rural voices and community leaders to speak in detail about their experiences as rural residents,” Labor Market Research Manager Craig Shaul said.

The event is from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. MT.

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Hiring event brings job opportunities in Idaho Falls

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 6, 2025
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event in Idaho Falls, Wednesday, Nov. 12. The event is from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Job seekers in the state’s eastern region are invited to arrive at the department’s office for the event. The address is 1515 E. Lincoln Road.

Employers planning to attend range from Bonneville County, Citizens Community Bank, Melaleuca, the Idaho Transportation Department, Lamb Weston, Idaho National Laboratory, Teton Stage Lines, TRIO – Idaho State University and many more.

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