Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.7% in November, unchanged from October.
The state’s labor force increased by 3,188 people (0.3%) to 996,574 while the labor force participation rate — the percentage of people 16 years of age or older who are either employed or looking for work — increased from 63.3% to 63.4% between October and November.
Total employment increased by 2,537 (0.3%) to 959,460 as unemployment increased by 651 (1.8%) to 37,114.
Idaho’s nonfarm jobs increased by 3,700 (0.4%) to 883,500. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month increases included finance and insurance (2.3%); durable goods manufacturing (2%); real estate, rental, and leasing (1.7%); construction (1.4%); federal government (1.4%); wholesale trade (1.4%); information (1.1%); other services (0.7%); and private educational services (0.5%).
Industries that experienced job losses in November included arts, entertainment, and recreation (-3%); accommodation and food services (-0.8%); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-0.6%).
Four of Idaho’s six Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) had over-the-month nonfarm job increases in November. Boise experienced the largest increase at 0.4%, followed by Twin Falls (0.2%), Coeur d’Alene (0.1%) and Idaho Falls (0.1%). Lewiston experienced a decrease of 0.6%, while Pocatello saw no change.
Year over Year
Idaho’s 3.7% unemployment rate for November 2024 was up from 3.3% the prior year. The labor force was up 3%, an increase of 29,017 people.
The number of unemployed Idahoans increased 15.2% (4,888) while the total number of employed increased 2.6% (24,129).
Total nonfarm jobs increased by 3.1% (26,800). Most major industry sectors gained jobs except natural resources (-6.8%); transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-6.4%); accommodation and food services (-3.7%); and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-1.2%).
All of Idaho’s MSAs saw year-over-year nonfarm job gains in November. Boise had the greatest increase at 4.2%, followed by Pocatello (3.5%), Idaho Falls (3.2%), Twin Falls (1.8%), Lewiston (1%) and Coeur d’Alene (0.8%).
National Comparisons
Nationally, the unemployment rate increased between October and November, up from 4.1% to 4.2%. The number of unemployed increased by 161,000 to 7.1 million. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 227,000 to 159.3 million.
