Idaho jobless rate falls to 6.7 percent

The unemployment rate in the Idaho Panhandle dropped to 6.7 percent in November, compared to 7.1 percent a year ago.

The numbers reflect a strengthening economy in the state’s five northern counties, said Kathryn Tacke, a regional labor economist for Idaho’s Commerce and Labor Department.

“Conditions are better than they were a year ago,” she said. “We have a high number of job openings, and jobs are being created in almost all industries.”

Kootenai County’s employment rate dropped to 5.9 percent in November, it’s second-lowest rate this year. A year ago, the county’s unemployment rate was 6.6 percent.

Unemployment rates for other North Idaho counties were: Bonner, 7.2 percent; Boundary, 7.2 percent; Benewah, 9 percent; and Shoshone, 10.6 percent.

Construction was a strong driver of job growth, and related industries, such a title companies, real estate, appliance and building supply centers, also added workers, Tacke said.

Other industries were also hiring, she said. Buck Knives is hiring for its new manufacturing plant in Post Falls, and Verizon recently held a job fair for call center workers.

Last week, the Coeur d’Alene office of Idaho’s Commerce and Labor Department had 1,100 job openings listed. The average pay for the jobs listed was $8.80 per hour.