BOISE, Idaho — The unemployment rate in July increased from 3.4% in June, to 3.5% in July, a news release from Idaho Department of Labor said.
Idaho's seasonally adjusted unemployment rates increased month-over-month, which is following the national trends. Unemployment in Idaho increased by 921 (2.8%) to a total of 34,007 people.
Nationally, the unemployment rate increased between June and July. June reported 4.1% and July reported 4.3%. The number of those unemployed increased by 352,000 people.
In Idaho, the labor force increased by 3,922 people or 0.4%. The labor force participation rate - the percentage of people 16 years and older that are either employed or looking for work - increased from 62.8% to 62.9%, a news release said.
Idaho's nonfarm jobs decreased in July, by 1,100.
Comparing year over year, Idaho's 3.5% unemployment for July 2024 is up from July 2023's 3.1%. There was a labor force increase of 1.9% or 18,289 people. The Department of Labor reports that the number of unemployed Idahoans increased 12.8%, while the total number of employed people increased by 1.5%.
Five of six metropolitan areas across the state had over-the-month nonfarm job increases in July. Twin Falls had the biggest increase at 1%, said The Department of Labor, followed by Idaho Falls, Coeur d'Alene, Pocatello, and Boise. Lewiston remained unchanged in July.
The Department of Labor said that industry sectors with the biggest month-over-month decreases included private education, real estate and leasing, wholesale trade, arts, entertainment and recreation, transportation, warehousing and utilities, construction, accommodation and food services, and local government.
Industry sectors with increases in job gains in July were other services, state government, health care and social services, and durable goods manufacturing.
