Unemployment rate rises in Kootenai County
The unemployment rate in Kootenai County was 4.3% as of June, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. The county rate was at 4.1% in February 2024 and dipped to 3.7% in March, increasing to 3.9% in April and 4.2% in May.
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Kootenai County's unemployment rate has been climbing since March, reaching 4.3% in June, according to the Idaho Department of Labor. This mirrors a statewide trend, with Idaho's unemployment rate rising to 3.4% in June.
The county's labor force grew to 88,740 in June 2024, up 1.5% from the previous year. While employment increased slightly (0.6%), the number of unemployed jumped by 26.3% compared to June 2023.
Statewide, most industries saw job losses in June, with natural resources and other services hit hardest. However, five of Idaho's six metropolitan areas, including Coeur d'Alene, experienced small job gains.
Year-over-year, Idaho's unemployment rate increased from 3% to 3.4%. The state's labor force grew by 1.7%, with both employment and unemployment numbers rising.
Nationally, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.1% in June, with 6.8 million Americans unemployed.
Kootenai County's median household income stands at $71,949, slightly above the state average but below the national figure.
For those seeking employment, a resume and interview workshop will be at 10 a.m. Thursday at the Idaho Department of Labor, 600 N. Thornton St., Post Falls. The Post Falls office will host another resume workshop at 10 a.m. Aug. 8 as well as a computer basics and job search workshop at the same time.