Idaho’s labor market report for September 2026 shows the state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate unchanged at 3.6% from August. While the overall labor force and total employment dipped modestly, certain metro areas and industry sectors posted gains.
Statewide numbers
The labor force fell by 508 workers to 997,822 in September, bringing the participation rate down to 61.4%. Total employment declined by 585 jobs, leaving 961,587 people employed. Unemployment rose by 77 individuals, reaching 36,235.
Non‑farm payrolls, however, increased by 700 jobs, putting the statewide total at 890,100. The biggest monthly gains were recorded in natural resources, professional scientific and technical services, finance and insurance, other services, transportation, warehousing and utilities, real estate and rental and leasing, and nondurable‑goods manufacturing.
Sectors that lost jobs
Several industries saw job losses during the month. Administrative support and waste‑management services, accommodation and food services, wholesale trade, durable‑goods manufacturing, and both local and state government employment each shed workers.
Metro‑area performance
Among Idaho’s metropolitan areas, Coeur d’Alene posted the strongest monthly non‑farm job gain, rising 0.4% over August. Pocatello and Idaho Falls also recorded modest gains, while Lewiston experienced the largest decline at 0.7%.
When measured against September 2025, the state’s unemployment rate remained steady at 3.6%. The labor force was down 11,107 people and the number of employed Idahoans fell by 10,684.
Year‑over‑year growth
On a year‑over‑year basis, total non‑farm jobs grew by 8,900, or 1.0%. Only Coeur d’Alene and Boise showed annual job growth among metro areas; Idaho Falls posted the biggest year‑over‑year decrease.
National context
Nationally, the unemployment rate rose to 4.2% between August and September. Total non‑farm payroll employment increased by 29,000, reaching 159 million.
Looking ahead
The next statewide labor‑force and non‑farm jobs report is scheduled for November 20, 2026, covering October data. Additional labor‑market information is available through Idaho’s official labor‑market website.
Original reporting: KHQ Spokane (news) — read the source article.
