Idaho unemployment drops below 5 percent

For the first time in nearly six years, Idaho’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate fell below five percent in May. The unemployment rate of 4.9 percent was 1.5 percent below May of last year.

The Idaho Department of Labor said 2,000 more workers entered the labor force. 63.8 percent of all residents over the age of 15 are now employed. The number of jobless workers fell below 38,000 for the first time since July 2008.

According to the department, Idaho’s economy added 29,000 jobs since January. But, the number of unemployment insurance claims and the amount paid has crept up. In May, an average of 7,600 workers per week collected a total of $8.3 million in jobless benefits.

All 44 Idaho counties posted declines in unemployment from May 2013. However, Jefferson, Jerome, Owyhee, and Power counties saw jobless rates increase from April to May.