Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 2.9 percent in July, continuing at or below 3 percent for the 11th consecutive month.
The state’s labor force – the total number of people 16 years of age and older working or looking for work – continued to increase, gaining 1,086 people from June to July for a total of 852,714.
Total employment increased by 998 to 828,111, keeping pace with the state’s labor force growth, while the number of unemployed remained virtually unchanged at 24,603.
Total nonfarm jobs increased by 1,600 in July. Four industry sectors – leisure and hospitality; manufacturing; professional and business services; and government – all exceeded seasonal expectations for a combined increase of 2,400 jobs. The information sector remained unchanged. Six sectors – construction; education and health services; other services; trade, transportation and utilities; natural resources; and financial activities – each had slight over-the-month declines for a combined decrease of 800 jobs.
Year over year, the state continued to see strong job growth as employers increased payrolls.
Monthly job gains were reported for three of Idaho’s five Metropolitan Statistical Areas. Boise led the way with an increase of 900 jobs, while Coeur d’Alene and Idaho Falls each added 200 jobs. Lewiston saw a decrease of 200 jobs from June to July.
Twenty-three of Idaho’s 44 counties had unemployment rates above the state rate in July. Five counties experienced rates at or above 5 percent including three locally: Clearwater County had the state’s highest unemployment rate at 7.1 percent, Lewis County was at 6.7 percent, and Idaho County’s July unemployment rate was 5 percent. Meanwhile, Nez Perce County’s jobless rate in July was 2.8 percent and Latah County reported an unemployment rate of 2.6 percent. (Idaho Department of Labor)
