Although the economy in TWIN FALLS COUNTY remains heavily tied to agriculture, economic developers have succeeded in diversification. Concerted efforts by community partnerships yielded new jobs in various economic sectors. These investments spurred development of new subdivisions that sent new housing permits to a peak of over 650 in 2005, slowing to under 200 in recent years.

Before the recession, unemployment peaked at 6.9 percent in 1992 and gradually fell to a record low of 2.4 percent in 2007. The area experienced a lag going into the current recession with job losses not occurring until the fourth quarter 2008 and a doubling of unemployment estimates in 2009. Even as the civilian labor force has steadily grown, Twin Falls County remains below the U.S. and Idaho unemployment rates. In the fallout from the 2001 recession, Twin Falls and Jerome counties consistently outperformed the rest of the state.

Twin Falls County posted a strong gain in retail and service jobs as big box retailers converged on the entrance to the city and its main artery. A Wal-Mart super center opened in summer 2009 along with two hotels and a long-awaited new high school. The new regional medical center is scheduled to open in 2011 with strong prospects for additional medical office development in the vicinity. The College of Southern Idaho’s new health science building opened in February 2010.

*Idaho Department of Labor, November 2010

Twin Falls County Work Force Trends

Seasonally adjusted unemployment in JEROME COUNTY was falling prior to the recession. It dropped from a high of 4.6 percent in 1998 to a low of 2.5 percent in 2007, driven by economic diversification, development and growth in the dairy industry. The current downturn has unemployment creeping back up but not to the record levels of 1983 when the average adjusted rate was 9.7 percent. While dairy has provided many stable jobs directly and indirectly, it remains a volatile commodity. Jerome County should continue to outperform the nation and state. The economic outlook remains optimistic with continued development of Crossroads Point Business Center. Work on a new St. Benedict’s Hospital should start in 2011. The concerted efforts of economic development professionals toward green energy industry is expected to pay off over the next decade with the help of Jerome’s convenient location on Interstate 84 and job creation efforts emphasizing industry clusters.

Hilex Poly, an advanced plastics manufacturer that makes grocery bags, and Idaho Milk Products with its new state-of-the-art milk processing plant are examples of new companies requiring workers with high skill sets. The dairy industry continues to be a major factor in the economy and community, drawing feeder businesses such as Jerome Cheese, West Farm Foods Inc. and WOW Logistics.

*Idaho Department of Labor, November 2010

Jerome County Work Force Trends

MINIDOKA COUNTY traditionally has a high unemployment rate. Still heavily dependent on agriculture and food processing, the county economy has diversified to include durable manufacturing and wholesale and retail trade tied to agriculture. Wages tend toward the low end which makes the area appealing to new businesses. New employers have been willing to pay higher wages than the norm. Still the new jobs provide much-needed health benefits. Gossner Cheese was lured to Burley’s industrial park that has developed a list of tenants that belies its agricultural base. Renewed economic vitality, the area’s scenic beauty and the lure of nearby recreation are drawing new residents. Minidoka County is commonly combined with Cassia County and referred to as the Mini -Cassia area. The city of Burley lies in both counties and is divided by the Snake River but both counties are linked economically, politically and socially. The area offers a labor pool with a strong work ethic and a strategic location with convenient access to commercial rail and truck transportation.

*Idaho Department of Labor, November 2010

Minidoka County Work Force Trends

CASSIA COUNTY has traditionally experienced higher unemployment than the rest of south central Idaho. Since 2004, companies such as Dutchmen Manufacturing, a large scale RV manufacturer, and Mulholland Positioning Systems Inc., which makes gait assistance devices for disabled children and adults, have opened. DOT Foods, a national re-distribution company, opened its state-of-the art warehouse in 2008, attracted by convenient shipping access along Interstate 84. Packaging Specialties opened its shrink wrap and printing operation in 2008. Hy-Line North America, an egg hatching operation, is shipping chicks from its new plant in Burley.

In 2007, Cassia County’s unemployment rate dropped almost a full percentage point to a record low 3 percent. Commercial and home construction began to outpace the region, state and nation just prior to the downturn and mortgage lenders saw the lion’s share of 2009’s production originate in the Mini-Cassia area. Cassia County’s low real estate prices, job opportunities, location on I-84 and proximity of outdoor recreation will continue to be a draw. The outlook for the county’s job and labor force is strong over the long run.

Idaho Department of Labor, November 2010

Cassia County Work Force Trends

The civilian labor force has been steadily growing in GOODING COUNTY over the last decade, from more than 6,600 in the late ’90s to 8,400 in 2009. The unemployment rate has fluctuated from a low 2 percent in 2007 to 7.7 percent by the end of 2009 as the recession was hitting bottom. It has remained well below state and national rates. The dairy and cheese processing industries, which provide year-round employment, have provided higher paying, stable jobs. The rapid growth in dairies has slowed in recent years as environmental concerns forced the Gooding County Commission to tighten standards for large livestock operators. The long-term forecast for Gooding County is an eventual return to low unemployment and tempered growth.

Idaho Department of Labor, November 2010

Gooding County Work Force Trends

Sitting at an elevation of 2,569 feet above sea level, GLENNS FERRY has a population of approximately 1,600. Median household income in 2009 was $35,672 and per capita income was $15,509.

BENEFITS & LABOR FORCE COMPARISONS:

Economy.com ranks Idaho the second lowest state in the West in overall cost of doing business.

COMPARISONS - OVERALL BUSINESS COSTS IN WESTERN STATES*
Idaho	90
Arizona	98
California	112
Colorado	102
Nevada	95
Oregon	97
Utah	92
Washington	101

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