Idaho has added 16,800 new jobs over the past 12 months, representing an above average growth rate of 2.4%. The Education & Health Services sector showed the largest annual job growth, up 4.8%. There were also strong employment gains in Construction, Government Services, Leisure & Hospitality, and Manufacturing.

Like much of the rest of the state, Central Washington continues to experience modest employment growth. An additional 1,300 jobs were created between May 2016 and May 2017, which drove the unemployment rate lower (from 6.3% to 5.4%). I believe we will see continued growth in employment, leading to further declines in the unemployment rate through the duration of 2017.

Oregon has added 46,500 new jobs over the past 12 months with impressive gains seen in the professional and business services, leisure and hospitality, and trade sectors. Also of interest is that the construction sector continues to expand rapidly, potentially signifying greater interest in adding to the region’s housing supply...

Like much of the rest of the state, Eastern Washington continues to experience modest employment growth, which is driving the unemployment rate lower. I also expect to see continued growth in employment as we move through the balance of the year.