Idaho’s September unemployment rate upticks slightly to 2.8%

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate edged up from 2.7% in August to 2.8% in September – the eighth consecutive month the state rate has been below 3%.

September’s labor force saw gains in both employed and unemployed workers. The number of Idahoans employed or looking for work grew by 2,938 people (0.3%) to 959,734. Total employment grew by 1,714 (0.2%) to 932,813. The total number of unemployed increased by 1,224 (4.8%) to 26,921. Labor force participation remained at 62.7%.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs exceeded seasonal expectations in September, showing an adjusted increase of 3,000 jobs to 828,400. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month gains include information (4.9%); arts, entertainment and recreation (4.5%); private educational services (2.8%); other services (2%); nondurable goods manufacturing (1.9%); real estate and rental and leasing (1.0%); construction (0.8%); local government (0.8%); healthcare and social services (0.7%); transportation, warehousing and utilities (0.6%); and durable goods manufacturing (0.5%).

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