Idaho unemployment rate edges up in August

Idaho’s unemployment rate for August nudged up to 4.2 percent. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, that means an additional 400 people were looking for work during the month.

Non-farm payrolls were up by 3 percent over a year ago due to an across-the-board gain of 19,800 jobs. The biggest gains came in construction, trade, professional services, and health care.

Although the smallest monthly increase this year, it was the eighth month in a streak of labor force gains.

According to job opening estimates by “The Conference Board”, the unemployment rate reflects there is one unemployed worker for every job opening.

State unemployment benefit payouts were down from July by nearly 21 percent in August to $1.29 million. The number of claimants receiving benefits declined by 25 percent to 4,597.

Madison County claimed the lowest unemployment rate in the state at 3.1 percent. High highest rates were reported in Adams, Clearwater and Shoshone counties.