Employment in Idaho’s two largest counties increased between March 2024 and March 2025, according to data released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Ada County saw a 1.6 percent rise in employment, while Canyon County reported an increase of 0.9 percent during this period.
Ada County had the highest employment among Idaho counties with 287,800 jobs as of March 2025. Together, Ada and Canyon Counties represented 44.3 percent of all covered employment in Idaho. For comparison, the largest counties nationwide make up about 73.4 percent of total covered employment across the United States.
Both Ada and Canyon Counties experienced average weekly wage growth of 3.9 percent over the year. However, their average weekly wages remained below the national average of $1,589; Ada County recorded $1,386 and Canyon County $1,013.
For Idaho’s smaller counties—those with fewer than 75,000 employees—employment and wage levels are also available but do not include year-over-year changes. Among these smaller counties, Butte reported the highest average weekly wage at $2,275, while Boise had the lowest at $652.
Across all Idaho counties in the first quarter of 2025: twelve reported average weekly wages under $900; nine ranged from $900 to $974; thirteen were between $975 and $1,049; and ten had wages at or above $1,050.
The Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) provides further details on state-level data and is accessible online through its website for additional reference.
Chris Rosenlund, Regional Commissioner for BLS Western Information Office stated: “Employment rose in both of Idaho’s large counties from March 2024 to March 2025…Ada County had an over-the-year employment increase of 1.6 percent, and Canyon County reported an increase of 0.9 percent.”
Additional information on quarterly employment and wages is available through related news releases or by contacting BLS directly via voice phone or Telecommunications Relay Service for individuals with sensory impairments.
The next release covering second quarter data is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
