TWIN FALLS COUNTY is the most populous of the eight South Central Idaho Counties and has grown steadily from 1997. The population has increased from 62,201 in 1997 to 73,053 in 2007, an increase of 17.5 percent. The area has swiftly become a regional retail hub for Southern Central Idaho and the population has increased accordingly. The area has abundant natural resources and numerous recreational opportunities. The City of Twin Falls lies on the edge of the spectacular Snake River Canyon and is just two miles from the world famous Shoshone Falls. Good work prospects for job seekers and a moderate climate for retirement age people have helped keep Twin Falls County's population on a steady growth curve. Per capita income has increased from $19,844 to $27,259, or 37 percent. Twin Falls ranks 16th out of Idaho's 44 counties for per capita income.* Twin Falls County Work Force Trends

* Idaho Department of Labor, July 2008  

JEROME COUNTY has shown steady population growth over the last decade rising 15 percent from 17,495 in 1997 to 20,066 in 2007. Much of the growth has been due to outstanding economic development that has taken place in Jerome County in the last decade. The dairy industry has increased dramatically and the resulting businesses like Jerome Cheese, WestFarm Foods, Inc., WOW Logistics, and Wal-Mart have made Jerome County an attractive place to work. Per capita income has grown from $19,697 in 1997 to $28,092 in 2006. Jerome ranks 10th in per capita income in Idaho.* Jerome County Work Force Trends

*Idaho Department of Labor, July 2008  

MINIDOKA COUNTY's population has declined moderately from 1997 dropping from 20,495 to 18,564 in 2007 for a 9.4 percent decrease. This area had been heavily dependent upon agriculture and food processing jobs and while these are still important components of the economy, there has been recent diversification. Per capita has increased from $15,763 in 1997 to $21,904 in 2006, almost 40 percent ranking Minidoka County 39th out of Idaho's 44 counties in per capita income.* Minidoka County Work Force Trends

*Idaho Department of Labor, July 2008

CASSIA COUNTY has experienced limited growth over the last 10 years. The population has fallen from 21,283 in 1997 to 20,960 in 2007, a decrease of 1.5 percent. Cassia County has abundant natural resources and recreational opportunities. Burley is located on the Snake River and it is a very short distance to the City of Rocks and Pomerelle Ski Resort. Each year, the Mini-Cassia area hosts a boat regatta that enjoys national recognition. Per capita income has increased from $18,986 in 1997 to $25,894 in 2006. Cassia County ranks 22nd in per capita income in Idaho * Cassia County Work Force Trends

*Idaho Department of Labor, July 2008