Baby Boomers Taking Over Idaho

An aging population that isn’t being replaced by young people is slowly, steadily chipping away at Idaho’s workforce. That’s according to the Idaho Department of Labor, which has noted in recent unemployment-rate press releases a decline in workforce “participation” because of the growth of retirees. “It’s been happening for the last six or eight years,” Bob Uhlenkott, chief research officer for the department, said in an interview last month. “Even during the midst of the Great Recession, our research shop has been lamenting that the real challenge in the next decade is going to be the workforce shortage.” In addition to a smaller workforce, the shift affects the types of jobs available. Retirees are more likely to spend money on services, like landscaping, Uhlenkott said/ Audrey Dutton , Idaho Statesman. More here.

Question: Do Idaho’s demographics worry you?