The population of TWIN FALLS COUNTY has grown steadily from 63,020 in 1998 to 74,284 in 2008, an 18 percent increase that preserves its ranking as the sixth most populous county in the state. It remains one of the 10 fastest growing counties in the state and a retail hub for south central Idaho. Abundant natural resources and recreational opportunities draw visitors and residents alike.

The city of Twin Falls is the county seat with a population of 42,197. It lies on the edge of the spectacular Snake River Canyon spanned by the Perrine Bridge, one of the nation’s few legal take-offs for BASE jumpers. Per capita income increased 38 percent from $20,800 in 1998 to $28,642 in 2007. The average wage at just under $28,000. Twin Falls County ranked 19th among Idaho’s 44 counties in per capita income because of the dominance of retail, service and seasonal jobs.

Twin Falls County Work Force Trends

* Idaho Department of Labor, March 2010  

JEROME COUNTY's population has grown steadily, rising 14 percent from nearly 18,000 in 1998 to just under 20,500 in 2008 in response to strong economic and infrastructure development. Jerome is the county seat and by far the largest city at 9,157 residents Jerome County has shown strong growth in per capita income over the last decade. A 43 percent increase brought per capita income from $22,065 in 1998 to $31,440 in 2007, ranking the county seventh statewide, slightly below the state level. Average employment grew 379 jobs, or 4.4 percent, and average wages crept up 5.8 percent during the recession.

Jerome County Work Force Trends

* Idaho Department of Labor, March 2010  

The population of MINIDOKA COUNTY has been slipping over the last decade from 20,244 in 1998 to 18,645 in 2008. But the trend may be reversing with a slight year-over-year increase of 0.7 percent in 2008 after the 7.9 percent decline over the decade. Minidoka County ranks 39th among Idaho’s 44 counties in per capita income despite tremendous growth over the last decade. Per capita income rose from $16,520 in 1998 to $23,907 in 2007, or 45 percent. The current outlook for income growth is good since the dairy industry provides year-round jobs and solid wages. In 2007 Kraft sold its operation to Brewster Dairy, a Swiss cheese manufacturer, and Gossner Cheese continues its processing operations. With the influx of new companies drawn by low real estate and labor costs, wage in the Mini-Cassia area should continue their upward trend.

Minidoka County Work Force Trends

* Idaho Department of Labor, March 2010

CASSIA COUNTY's population declined over most of the last decade until 2008. Since 1998 it has grown just 0.9 percent from 21,162 to 21,348. The county is diversifying its agricultural base and still holding on to existing businesses. Efforts to market the two-county area of Cassia and Minidoka through community partnership and a focus on the low land and labor costs have resulted in new businesses relocating. Per capita income has increased from $20,744 in 1998 to $28,589 in 2007, up 37.8 percent. Cassia County ranks 20th of Idaho’s 44 counties in per capita income. Wage levels are one of the attractions for many companies seeking lower business costs, but as the economy diversifies, more highly skilled jobs will evolve and average wages will increase.

Cassia County Work Force Trends

* Idaho Department of Labor, March 2010