Category Archives: News Releases

Idaho’s April unemployment rate remains at 3.6%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 22, 2026
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov or  Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate did not change between March and April, remaining at 3.6%.

April’s labor force decreased by 2,350 (-0.2%) people to 1,003,496 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.2 percentage points between March and April, down to 62.2%.

Total employment decreased by 2,290 (-0.2%) to 966,979 and unemployment decreased by 60 (-0.2%) to 36,517. Continue reading →

More than half of Idaho’s cities gain population in 2025

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s statewide population increased 1.4% in 2025, led by gains of 1.8% in incorporated places (established cities) and 0.5% growth outside of these areas. Of Idaho’s 198 cities, 110 (56%) reported population growth — the remaining 88 cities (44%) either remained constant or declined compared with 2024.

From 2020-2025, nearly 91% (180 of 198) of Idaho’s cities experienced positive population growth. The state also claimed three of the top 100 U.S. cities by population growth rate over this time period — Star, Moyie Springs and Ponderay — with a cumulative growth exceeding 70% and a combined 10,000 net new residents. Continue reading →

Pursue a career in the trades at Caldwell hiring event

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 12, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Tuesday, May 19, at the department’s Caldwell office. The address is 4514 Thomas Jefferson St.

The event is from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including the Admiral Beverage Company, Idaho Site Works LLC, Johnson Thermal Systems, Northwest Lineman College, Quality Trailer Services and Repair, Simplot, Terzo Enterprises, U.S. Army and others.

Continue reading →

Network with various employers at hiring event in Coeur d’Alene

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 7, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor is hosting a hiring event Wednesday, May 13, at the Coeur d’Alene Public Library. The address is 702 E. Front Ave.

The event is from noon to 3 p.m.

A variety of employers will be in attendance including Coeur d’Alene School District, Eden Home Health, Fire Systems West, Hilton Grand Vacations, The Home Depot, Kootenai County, North Idaho College, Paul Mitchell The School, United States Postal Service and more.

Continue reading →

Unemployment insurance workshop for employers takes place Thursday

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho employers are invited to learn about unemployment insurance (UI) Thursday, May 7, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

The workshop will take place at the Idaho Department of Labor’s Twin Falls office, 458 Parkview Loop.

UI Supervisor Vicki Raass and Workforce Consultant Oscar Escobedo will discuss in detail the different employee separations (laid off, discharged or quit), separation documentation, investigating unemployment claims, determining claim outcomes, chargeability and liability, claimant eligibility, employer attachment and using E-services.

Continue reading →

Idaho’s March unemployment rate decreases to 3.6%

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 4, 2026
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov or  Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate decreased between February and March, from 3.7% to 3.6%.

March’s labor force decreased by 2,286 (-0.2%) people to 1,005,848 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.3 percentage points between February and March, down to 62.4%.

Total employment decreased by 1,921 (-0.2%) to 969,265 and unemployment decreased by 365 (-1.0%) to 36,583. Continue reading →

Governor recognizes Filer volunteer for contributions

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 1, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Little shaking hands with Drew Olsen.A volunteer from Filer was honored for his service at the Idaho Capital for a Day event hosted by Gov. Brad Little, Thursday, April 30.

Serve Idaho, the Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, recognized Drew Olsen with the Idaho’s Brightest Star Award for his exceptional volunteer service.

Olsen was nominated by the Filer Senior Haven for his dedicated work supporting their mission to create a warm and welcoming community where older adults can gather, connect and thrive.

Continue reading →

Gov. Little appoints four new commissioners to Serve Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 30, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Gov. Brad Little appointed four new commissioners to the Serve Idaho Commission, adding to the existing 15.

“The new commissioners bring a passion for volunteerism and AmeriCorps in their communities,” Program Manager Emily Straubhar said. “We are excited to welcome them to the commission to share their expertise in advancing service across Idaho.” Continue reading →

Learn about Idaho’s economy and how income is measured during Labor webinar

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 29, 2026
Media Contact: Samuel.Wolkenhaur@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho Department of Labor Research Analyst Supervisor Sam Wolkenhauer will discuss how income is measured and what those measurements reveal about the ways Idaho is changing during a webinar Tuesday, May 5.

Income is measured in a variety of ways including household income, wages and salary and total personal income. These measures paint a picture about the dynamic changes ongoing in Idaho, including the state’s demographics and economic growth. This webinar will also explore what the income data tells us about Idaho’s urbanization and housing market.

Continue reading →

Connect with employers and learn about Registered Apprenticeships at upcoming Boise expo

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 23, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

The Idaho Department of Labor and Apprenticeship Idaho is hosting its first apprenticeship- focused event, Wednesday, April 29, at the State of Idaho Chinden Campus in Boise.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. in the conference room of Building 6, 11351 W. Chinden Blvd.

“Whether you’re exploring your first career, looking to improve your skills or trying to connect with industry partners, this is a space where conversations can turn into real career pathways,” Apprenticeship Workforce Development Programs Specialist Morgan Galway said.

Employers and programs planning to attend include Idaho Division of Career Technical Education, Coding Clarified, College of Southern Idaho, Idaho Power, Idaho Rural Water Association, College of Western Idaho, UA Local 296 Plumbers & Pipefitters, Sun Valley Culinary Institute and more.

Continue reading →