Idaho’s May unemployment rate continues streak under 3 percent

Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained unchanged in May at 2.9 percent.

The low rate continues a nine-month streak of 3 percent unemployment or lower for the state, according to the Idaho Department of Labor.

Five industry sectors showed strong gains. Job growth occurred in professional and business services, manufacturing, financial activities, information, and leisure and hospitality.

Those jobs offset losses in education and health services, construction, government, other services and trades, transportation and utilities.

In Kootenai County, the May unemployment rate was 3.4 percent. Over the past 12 months, the Coeur d’Alene metro area has added about 1,900 jobs.

May unemployment rates for other counties were: Benewah, 4.6 percent; Bonner, 4 percent; Boundary, 4.9 percent; and Shoshone, 6.4 percent.