Idaho has picked up a couple more economic distinctions in the past week – the state Commerce & Labor Department reported that Idaho led the nation for its increase in gross state product in 2006, and the Idaho Housing and Finance Association reported that U.S. Census figures show the state ranks 7th in the nation for home ownership and first among the western states.

The numbers: The real value of all goods and services produced in Idaho in 2006 rose 7.4 percent above 2005, more than double the national rate of 3.4 percent. A dramatic increase in manufacturing productivity led growth in nearly every sector of the state’s economy. And, Idaho’s rate of home ownership is a lofty 75.1 percent. The IHFA is trumpeting the figure as it kicks off National Homeownership Month, which runs through June.

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