Idaho unemployment rate bumps up

Idaho boasted the fastest job growth rate (.5%) in the nation during February. That represents 3,600 jobs, which was the second largest number of jobs added by any state.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased slightly to 2.9%. An additional 2,218 people entered the labor force in February. The number of unemployed grew by 408.

According to the Idaho Department of Labor, the largest month-to-month job gains were in professional and business services, manufacturing, and education and health services. Declines were noted in construction, information and leisure and hospitality.

The Department said unemployment insurance benefit payments were up 9% for February. The number of people making claims increased by 2.8% to an average 9,320 per week.