Rexburg population of millennials is growing

According to the Idaho Department of Labor over 80 percent of Rexburg’s population is under the age of 30, with a medium age of 22 which is 15 years younger than the national average.

Eastern Idaho’s millennial population is projected to grow 26 percent over the next eight years due to BYU-Idaho students and the growing workforce of scientists at the Idaho National Laboratory.

Millennials, also known as Generation Y or the Net Generation, are the demographic cohort that directly follows Generation X. Millennials are born between 1982 and 1994. However, some sources place millennials being born as early as 1978.

According to Hope Morrow, regional economist for the Idaho Department of Labor, the regions fastest growing industries are in areas of finance, science and healthcare. The Idaho National Laboratory is the top nuclear labs in the nation and a major employer.

Will Jenson, business research director of Rexburg’s Research and Business Development Center, conducted a study on millennials. Jenson discovered that rural millennials are attracted to the low cost of living that Eastern Idaho offers. The study also found that rural millennials were attracted to the career opportunities.

“Rural millennials are interested in raising families, friends and outdoor activities,” Jenson said.

Jan Rogers, REDI CEO said,”We are branding the city of Rexburg as ‘millennial City U.S.’ that will be the unveiling at Thursday’s breakfast.”

“We see a Millennial honey pot. Business goes where the talent is and spread the message that we have the highest concentration of Millennial population in America,” Rogers said.

REDI stands for the Regional Economic Development for Eastern Idaho, which focuses on diversity and strengthen the economies of the 14 counties of Eastern Idaho by retaining and attracting business to the region

REDI Morning Education Theory will host a breakfast Thursday at 8:30 a.m. at the Idaho Falls Hilton Garden Inn.