Idaho's unemployment rate holds steady in January

Idaho’s unemployment rate held steady in January compared with the month prior, remaining at 3.8%, according to Idaho Department of Labor data.

January’s unemployment rate, however, was up from 3.4% in the year-earlier month.

Nonfarm jobs increased by 1,700, or 0.2%, in January, compared with the month prior.

Sectors with the largest job gains included construction (4%); professional, scientific, and technical services (1.3%); and health care and social services (1.2%).

Industries that suffered job declines in January include accommodation and food services (-2.8%), private educational services (-2.3%), and natural resources (-2.2%).

Year-over-year, nonfarm jobs increased by 23,700, or 2.8%, which was the highest percentage increase in the nation, an Idaho Department of Labor press release states.

Idaho’s labor force in January increased by nearly 2,200 people, or 0.2%, compared with December, bringing the total labor force to about 1.01 million.