Idaho unemployment dropped to 4 percent in October

Idaho’s unemployment rate dropped to 4 percent in October amid growth in the construction and retail sectors, according to the state Department of Labor.

The state’s unemployment rate was 4.2 percent in September versus 4.6 percent a year ago.

Idaho employers added about 8,000 jobs in October and about 25,000 workers over the past 12 months. Hiring in the past year occurred in construction, health care, education and manufacturing industries.

Participation in Idaho’s labor force has been high, officials said. About 64.2 percent of state residents age 16 and older were either employed in October or looking for work.

For North Idaho, October unemployment rates by county were: Kootenai, 4.8 percent; Benewah, 7.3 percent; Bonner, 5.7 percent; Boundary, 5.1 percent; and Shoshone, 7.1 percent.