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Eastern Idaho’s Economy in October 2025: What’s Changing, What’s Growing, and What It Means for Our Communities

Eastern Idaho is going through a big transition. After several years of fast growth — new residents moving in, businesses hiring nonstop, and major projects taking shape — 2025 is showing a different kind of momentum.

Eastern Idaho is going through a big transition. After several years of fast growth — new residents moving in, businesses hiring nonstop, and major projects taking shape — 2025 is showing a different kind of momentum. Things are still growing, but at a steadier, more realistic pace. Even without access to federal unemployment numbers this month, the rest of the data paints a picture most people can feel in everyday life: jobs are still out there, but hiring has slowed; housing is still tight, but listings are increasing; wages are rising, but not as quickly as costs. All of this is happening while huge long-term investments continue to shape the future of the region.

Job Postings Are Down, But Many Employers Still Can’t Find Workers

In September 2025, Eastern Idaho had 4,340 online job postings — fewer than last month and much fewer than last year. That means employers aren’t hiring quite as aggressively as they were. But even with the slowdown, many businesses still say it’s hard to find workers.

Nurses, truck drivers, retail workers, and customer service jobs remain the most in-demand. And some jobs are taking more than a month — sometimes much longer — for employers to fill.

This tells a simple story:
The job market is cooling off, but not enough to relieve the pressure on local businesses.

More People Are Still Moving to Eastern Idaho

Even with slower hiring, people are still choosing to live here. The region gained more than 4,500 new residents this year — almost double last year’s growth.

Why?

  • Strong industries like healthcare, education, construction, and technology
  • Ongoing work and expansion at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL)
  • Remote workers choosing the region for lifestyle and affordability
  • Growing communities like Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Teton County

Eastern Idaho remains an attractive place to live, even as prices rise.

Wages Are Up — Just Not Enough to Match the Cost of Living

Average wages rose to $55,600, which is good news. But they’re still below the state average, and the cost of living continues to rise faster than wages. Grocery prices, utilities, housing costs, childcare, and fuel all continue to climb.

So even though people are earning more, many families are still feeling squeezed.

Housing Market: Pricey in Some Areas, Slowing Down in Others

Eastern Idaho’s housing market varies widely depending on the county:

  • Teton County saw a big jump, with the median home price now over $1 million.
  • Custer County also saw sharp increases, driven by demand for cabins, ranches, and rural land.
  • Bonneville County saw prices slide a little, and homes are now sitting on the market longer.

Overall, more homes are available than last year in most counties, but rising prices and tight budgets mean homebuyers are still cautious.

Big Projects Are Shaping the Region’s Future

While hiring has slowed and wages are stretching thin, Eastern Idaho is becoming a national center for innovation, energy research, and high-tech development.

This year brought major milestones:

  • INL and partners secured millions in grants for nuclear workforce training.
  • The region was chosen as one of four national sites for advanced AI and energy facilities.
  • Construction began on two cutting-edge nuclear and data center projects, expected to create hundreds of jobs in the coming years.

These projects won’t change things overnight, but they position Eastern Idaho for major long-term economic strength.

A Region Finding Its Balance

The story of Eastern Idaho in 2025 isn’t about booming or busting — it’s about adjusting. The pace of growth has slowed from the explosive post-pandemic years, but the foundation for the future is strong.

To summarize:

  • Job postings are down, but many employers still can’t find enough workers.
  • Population keeps rising, especially in places like Idaho Falls, Rexburg, and Teton County.
  • Wages are growing, but the cost of living continues to outpace them.
  • Housing supply is improving, but affordability remains a major challenge.
  • Long-term investments in tech and energy are setting up the region for future opportunity.

Eastern Idaho is evolving. It’s no longer growing fast just for the sake of growth — it’s growing in ways that could support stronger communities, better jobs, and a more balanced economy in the years ahead.

Want to Learn More?

Explore the full data set, sector-by-sector analysis, and detailed insights in the August 2025 Labor Market Report here:
➡️ link to full October 2025 Report