Idaho's strong economic numbers a welcome sight

Everyone, it seems, wants to move to Idaho.

Sure, it's a beautiful state filled with good people whose individual rights are respected and accountability is expected. It also happens to be a place where businesses want to be, where people want to spend money and where investors are confident in growth and they can count on their government to work with them.

There is good reason for that optimism 

Gov. Brad Little said Friday that Idaho’s economy continues to show signs of strength as General Fund revenue exceeded the state’s forecast by $90.3 million, or 6.8%, during the first quarter of fiscal year 2027, according to the September revenue report.

That is not something that can be easily dismissed or discounted. Idaho is doing something right.

"The difficult decisions we made last year put us in a stronger fiscal position, and we need to continue prioritizing the investments that matter most to Idahoans while protecting our long-term financial stability,” Little said in a press release. “In addition, strong withholding growth shows us Idahoans are working, businesses are hiring, and our economy is strong. This is good news for Idahoans and our communities.”

Indeed, it is.

There are other indicators that show Idaho's economy is on solid ground. The September Revenue Report is the final monthly revenue report scheduled for release before the November election.

For instance: 

• September General Fund revenue came in $39 million above forecast, with individual income tax collections leading the way.

• Individual income tax revenue is 18.3% above forecast year-to-date, driven in part by a sharp increase in income tax withholding.

• Withholding collections grew 20% during the first quarter compared with the same period last year, accelerating from growth of 2.8% in FY2026 and 5.9% in FY2025. The increase points to continued strength in Idaho’s workforce and economy.

• Sales tax collections continue to reflect economic activity across the state. September collections totaled $215.1 million, bringing year-to-date collections to $617.4 million.

• Online marketplace sales were particularly strong, growing 23.4% during the first quarter compared with the same period last year.

Let's give credit where credit is due. It wasn't that long ago Idaho's economic outlook was less rosy. May's state revenue collections came in at $367.1 million, which is $21.1 million below the revenue forecast set by the Idaho Division of Financial Management. Individual income tax Idaho Division of Financial Management forecast, 

A disciplined approach to spending helped turn things around and, as the state noted in a press release, "preserve its strong fiscal position and make responsible investments in the state’s future."

The September revenue report is the final monthly revenue report scheduled for release before the November election.

It's no surprise people want to live in Idaho, a state that not only preaches fiscal responsibility, but based on the latest numbers, lives by it. That is easier said than done, but Idaho demonstrated it can be done. The state can take pride in its fiscal standings.