BOISE, Idaho — Some new data on state's employment situation has been released by the Idaho Department of Labor.
More people than ever were working or looking for work in the Gem State last month -- 918,644 in all -- an increase of more than 22,000 from August.
But the September unemployment rate increased from 4.2 percent in August to 6.1 percent last month. That's because total employment grew by just 3,323 people, leaving 18,806 more people still looking for a job.
Year-over-year, seven of Idaho's industry sectors had fewer jobs compared to September of 2019, but the number of jobs increased in trade, transportation, utilities and financial activities.
The percentage of people 16 years and older with jobs or looking for work rose to more than 65 percent -- the highest labor force participation rate for Idaho since August of 2010.
