Market Snapshot: Idaho

Market Snapshot: Idaho

50 states in 50 weeks – This series leverages our market intelligence database to bring you powerful AE industry insights. Each week, we highlight a new state in green while previously featured states fade to a lighter green. Next, let’s look at Idaho.

Idaho Economic Performance and Outlook Grade*: A

• Economy: B+
• Population: B
• Workforce: C+
• Financial/Fiscal Health: A

* Overall grade is assigned based on a curve (relative to all states’ performances).

The Gem State may no longer be a “hidden” gem, but Idaho still glimmers with AE firm opportunities. Drawn by a lower cost of living and natural beauty, transplants from California and other Western states flocked to Idaho during the COVID pandemic—and the trend has not abated. The U.S. Census Bureau reports that only Utah’s population has grown faster since 2020, and the Idaho Department of Labor forecasts that the state’s population will rise by 15% between 2022 and 2032, nearly four times the national average. Online small business lender OnDeck named Idaho tops in the country for small business growth, the American Legislative Exchange Council Center for State Fiscal Reform rated it second in economic stability and outlook, and the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis ranked it fifth in real GDP growth since 2020. Idaho’s burgeoning science and technology sector is a particular growth area, and last year the state government approved a 10-year, $2 billion funding bill to repair and replace aging schools. The Idaho Department of Labor projects a 16% growth in architecture and engineering occupations between 2022 and 2032. See below for regional highlights in Idaho:

• Boise: Two enormous projects under construction—Micron’s $15 billion memory chip facility in Boise and Meta’s $800 million data center in Kuna—are sparking additional real estate projects but also exacerbating rising construction costs and a construction labor shortage. Boise Airport is undertaking a multi-year capital expansion plan to handle a 21% increase in passenger volume since 2019.
• Idaho Falls: Advanced technology projects at the Idaho National Laboratory are spurring construction of associated scientific and energy research facilities. 
• Coeur d’Alene: Rapid growth in outdoor tourism, retirement communities, and luxury homes is spurring demand for high-end residential and hospitality architecture.
• Twin Falls: Growth from Clif Bar and a $500 million Chobani plant expansion is boosting industrial projects related to food manufacturing and logistics.

For sector-specific data and insights for Idaho or questions about our market intelligence and research services, call/text Rafael Barbosa at 972-266-4955 or email [email protected].

For a comprehensive outlook for 2025, you can access the 2025 AE Market Intelligence Webinar (recorded on January 28). Click here for details.