Idaho Unemployment Rate Increases to 3.7% in January 2026

Idaho DOL News

Published April 6th, 2026

Detected April 8th, 2026

Summary

The Idaho Department of Labor released January 2026 labor market data showing the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 3.6% to 3.7%. Total nonfarm jobs decreased by 2,400 (-0.3%) to 879,700, with Construction (-4.4%) and Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-4.1%) experiencing the largest sector losses. Year-over-year comparison shows total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.8% (7,000) compared to January 2025.

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What changed

Idaho's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased 0.1 percentage point to 3.7% in January 2026, with the labor force decreasing by 105 people and total employment declining by 504. Nonfarm payroll jobs dropped by 2,400 across sectors including Construction (-4.4%), Federal Government (-2.2%), and Administrative Support services (-1.2%), while Accommodation and Food Services (+2.1%) and Transportation/Warehousing (+0.6%) showed gains.\n\nThis statistical release provides informational data for employers, job seekers, and policymakers. No compliance obligations or regulatory requirements are created by this economic data announcement. The Idaho DOL notes that February through April data releases will have nonstandard dates due to annual Bureau of Labor Statistics benchmarking revisions.

What to do next

Monitor for updates

Source document (simplified)

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: April 6, 2026
Media Contact: Craig.Shaul@labor.idaho.gov or Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased between December and January, from 3.6% to 3.7%.

December’s labor force decreased by 105 people to 1,009,832 while the labor force participation rate – the percentage of people 16 years or older who are either employed or looking for work – decreased by 0.1 percentage point between December and January, down to 62.8%.

Total employment decreased by 504 (-0.1%) to 972,737 and unemployment increased by 399 (1.1%) to 37,095.

Idaho’s nonfarm jobs had a net decrease of 2,400 (-0.3%) for a total of 879,700 in January. Industry sectors with the greatest over-the-month losses included Construction (-4.4%); Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-4.1%); Federal Government (-2.2%); Administrative, Support and Waste Management Services (-1.2%) and Real Estate and Rental and Leasing (-0.9%).

Industries that experienced job increases in January included Accommodation and Food Services (2.1%); Private Educational Services (1.1%); Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (0.9%); State Government (0.9%) and Transportation, Warehousing and Utilities (0.6%).

Four of Idaho’s six Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) had over-the-month nonfarm job losses in January. Lewiston saw the largest decrease at 1.0%, followed by Coeur d’Alene (-0.4%), Pocatello (-0.2%) and Idaho Falls (-0.1%). Boise and Twin Falls experienced no change.

Year over Year

Idaho’s 3.7% unemployment rate for January 2026 was the same as in 2025. The labor force grew 0.5% (4,558), as the number of employed Idahoans increased by 4,270 (0.4%). The number of unemployed Idahoans increased by 288 (0.8%).

Total nonfarm jobs increased by 0.8% (7,000). Most major industry sectors gained jobs except Arts, Entertainment and Recreation (-9.6%); Federal Government (-6.2%); Wholesale Trade (-3.8%); State Government (-2.4%); Information (-2.2%); Nondurable Goods Manufacturing (-0.9%) and Accommodation and Food Services (-0.1%).

Three of Idaho’s MSAs had year-over-year nonfarm job gains in January. Twin Falls had the greatest increase at 1.4%, followed by Boise (0.7%) and Coeur d’Alene (0.3%). Pocatello and Lewiston experienced decreases of 2.0% and 1.3%, respectively. Idaho Falls saw no change.

National Comparisons

Nationally, the unemployment rate decreased between December and January, down to 4.3%. The number of unemployed decreased by 135,000 (-1.8%) to 7.3 million. Total nonfarm payroll employment rose by 126,000 (0.1%) to 158.6 million.

–end–

*** Editors / News Directors – please note:**

February, March and April data will have nonstandard release dates due to the annual Bureau of Labor Statistics benchmarking process. Benchmarking includes revisions to state labor force estimates based on new inputs and population data. Nonfarm jobs are benchmarked using reported employer data.

Upcoming Idaho release schedule:

April 20, 2026 – Statewide labor force and nonfarm jobs data for February 2026
May 4, 2026 – Statewide labor force and nonfarm jobs data for March 2026

Find more labor market information at lmi.idaho.gov

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