September 2025 Economic Update: What Teton County Residents Should Know
Eastern Idaho's latest economic snapshot shows a region in motion—with steady growth, shifting labor needs, and big changes close to home here in Teton County. The Idaho Department of Labor’s September 2025 “Around Eastern Idaho” report highlights trends that shape everything from hiring to housing.
Read the full report here: September 2025
Job Market: Busy but Tight Across the Region
In August, Eastern Idaho saw a noticeable jump in labor force participation, adding more than 2,400 people. Employment increased, but so did unemployment, nudging the regional jobless rate up to 3.5%. That’s still relatively low, but it reflects a competitive job market where employers continue to seek workers.
Across the region, online job postings reached 4,587, up 38% from last year. Health care and retail remain the biggest drivers of demand, with registered nurses, retail salespeople, truck drivers, and customer service reps topping the list. At the same time, many roles—like teaching assistants, bakers, and housekeeping staff—are taking longer to fill.
Teton County: Big Moves in Housing and Local Policy
A lot is happening right here at home:
✔ Victor Approves First Phase of Twin Slides
The City of Victor gave the green light to the first phase of Twin Slides, a new subdivision with up to 100 starter homes. This is a meaningful step toward expanding the area’s desperately needed workforce housing options.
✔ County Ends Funding for TREC
The Teton County Board of Commissioners voted to eliminate county funding for the Teton Regional Economic Coalition (TREC) beginning in 2026.
That funding historically supported:
- An economic development director
- Tourism marketing
- Coordination among businesses, nonprofits, and local officials during crises
This change raises big questions about how the county will handle regional economic development moving forward.
✔ 160 Acres of Endowment Land in Driggs to Be Sold
The Idaho Board of Land Commissioners approved the auction of 160 acres of state endowment land near Driggs, currently used for ranching. The parcel is valued at $1.4 million. Sales like this can have long-term impacts on land use, future development, and local agriculture.
Real Estate Snapshot: Teton County Inventory Rising
The housing market in Teton County continues to shift:
- Median Home Price:
Up 7.7%, from $881,800 (Aug 2024) to $950,000 (Aug 2025) - Active Listings:
Up 27.8%, indicating more inventory than last year - Days on Market:
Jumped from 42 to 70 days—homes are taking significantly longer to sell - Pending Sales:
Down nearly 31%, reflecting a cooler late-summer market
For buyers, increased inventory may offer more breathing room. For sellers, pricing competitively matters more than ever.
Regional Highlights Worth Noting
While not specific to Teton County, several regional trends affect the broader economic landscape:
- A new experimental nuclear micro-reactor project launched at Idaho National Laboratory, signaling future growth in high-tech energy sectors.
- Yellowstone National Park saw a slight uptick in August visitation, a steady sign for tourism-dependent communities.
- Multiple new businesses opened across Eastern Idaho, strengthening the retail, medical, restaurant, and service sectors.
- Colleges and schools in the region are expanding, including record enrollment at BYU–Idaho.
Why It Matters for Teton Valley
Teton County’s local economy remains intertwined with the broader region. Rising home prices, increased inventory, and major land-use decisions directly affect residents, workers, and businesses. Workforce shortages region wide also influence local hiring, while policy changes, like the end of county funding for TREC, will shape how economic growth is managed going forward.