This is how Idaho’s employment is faring amid a fluctuating economy
Idaho's Department of Labor
It could be a sign of stability or changing population or company expansions or just about anything else that could cause unemployment numbers to spike, drop or stay level.
Within Idaho, the unemployment rate has remained unchanged from July to August, while nationally, it has dropped.
The Gem State’s unemployment rate sat at 3.5%, the same as it was month over month. Year over year, it was up from 3.2%. Across the country, unemployment decreased from 4.3% to 4.2% or 7.1 million people.
In Idaho, the labor force increased by 3,851 people to 985,722, according to the Idaho Department of Labor, which added that the percentage of people 16 years or older looking for work increased from 62.9% to 63.1% from July to August.
The Department of Labor reported that total employment rose by 2,983 to 950,781 or 0.3%, and unemployment rose by 868 to 34,941 or 2.5%.
(SOURCE: IDAHO DEPARTMENT OF LABOR)
Nonfarm jobs in the state increased by 0.3% and the industries with the greatest increases from July to August were information at 2.3%; private educational services at 1.7%; arts, entertainment and recreation at 1.1%; health care and social services at 1.1%; construction, local government and retail trade all at 1%; and state government at 0.6%.
Greatest decreases in jobs spanned several industries, including other services at -2.6%; accommodation and food services at -0.8%; federal government at -0.7%; nondurable goods manufacturing and transportation, warehousing and utilities all at -0.6%; and wholesale trade at -0.5%.
Five out of six of Idaho’s metropolitan statistical areas saw employment increases. Lewiston and Pocatello were both at 1%; Boise and Twin Falls at 0.4%; and Idaho Falls at 0.2%. Coeur d’Alene stayed the same month over month.