BOISE – Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained steady at 3.7% in November, according to data released by the Idaho Department of Labor. This figure is unchanged from October’s rate.
The state’s labor force grew by 3,188 people, marking a 0.3% increase, bringing the total to 996,574. The labor force participation rate, reflecting the percentage of individuals aged 16 or older who are working or actively seeking employment, rose slightly from 63.3% to 63.4%.
Employment numbers also saw an uptick, with 2,537 more individuals employed in November, totaling 959,460. Meanwhile, the number of unemployed individuals increased by 651, reaching 37,114, representing a 1.8% rise.
| Category | November 2024 | October 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | 3.7% | 3.7% | No Change |
| Labor Force Participation Rate | 63.4% | 63.3% | +0.1% |
| Total Labor Force | 996,574 | 993,386 | +3,188 |
| Total Employed | 959,460 | 956,923 | +2,537 |
| Total Unemployed | 37,114 | 36,463 | +651 |
Nonfarm job numbers experienced a 0.4% increase, adding 3,700 positions and bringing the total to 883,500. Industries reporting the largest monthly job gains included finance and insurance (2.3%), durable goods manufacturing (2%), and real estate, rental, and leasing (1.7%). Sectors experiencing job losses included arts, entertainment, and recreation (-3%), accommodation and food services (-0.8%), and transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-0.6%).
Among Idaho’s six metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs), Boise led with a 0.4% increase in nonfarm jobs, followed by Twin Falls (0.2%), Coeur d’Alene (0.1%), and Idaho Falls (0.1%). Lewiston reported a 0.6% decrease, while Pocatello showed no change.
Year-over-year comparisons indicate a rise in Idaho’s unemployment rate from 3.3% in November 2023 to 3.7% in November 2024. The state’s labor force grew by 3%, adding 29,017 individuals. The number of employed residents increased by 24,129, while the unemployed population rose by 4,888.
Total nonfarm jobs expanded by 3.1% over the year, adding 26,800 positions. Most major industry sectors experienced job growth, except for declines in natural resources (-6.8%), transportation, warehousing, and utilities (-6.4%), and accommodation and food services (-3.7%).
Nationally, the unemployment rate rose from 4.1% in October to 4.2% in November, with 7.1 million people unemployed across the country. Total nonfarm payroll employment nationwide increased by 227,000 to reach 159.3 million.
The Idaho Department of Labor’s next labor market update is scheduled for release on January 24, 2025, covering December 2024 statewide labor force and nonfarm job data.
