Report sheds light on past 20 years of economic growth in rural Idaho

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: Nov. 21, 2025
Media Contact: [email protected]

Rural Idaho plays a crucial role in the state's economy and its future. Natural resources, manufacturing and renewable energy production continue to remain central to rural livelihoods, according to a report released this week from the Idaho Department of Labor.

The Profile of Rural Idaho provides an updated look at the state's rural identity in 2025 and its evolution over the past 20 years since the previous profile was released in 2005. The report is divided into three parts analyzing demographic trends, the economic backbone of rural Idaho and the critical trends shaping the state's future.

This project is intended to inform policymakers, community leaders and citizens about where rural Idaho stands and where it is headed.

The report is the culmination of work over the past year by the department's labor economists and communications team.

To view the report, visit lmi.idaho.gov

A series of webinars this year highlighted key aspects of the report. The latest webinar was highlighted by a panel of experts and community leaders discussing their experiences living in rural Idaho. Webinar recordings are available on the department's YouTube channel.

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This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY26 as part of a Workforce Information grant (41%) and state/nonfederal funds (59%) totaling $860,595.