Idaho metros rank high in construction job growth

Four of Idaho’s five metropolitan areas saw some of the fastest growth in construction workers nationally in February.

Combined, Idaho ranked No. 4 among states with a 9.3 percent growth in construction workers in February over the prior February, according to the Associated General Contractors of America. Idaho’s construction worker population reached 48,000 for the first time since January 2008, according to AGC statistics.

The top-growing states, percentage-wise, were West Virginia at 14.3 percent, Nevada at 10.9 percent and California at 9.5 percent. Following Idaho were Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Oregon.

Coeur d’Alene was the highest-ranking Idaho city among the 358 metro areas analyzed. The northern Idaho city ranked No. 16 with 16 percent or a 700-job increase in construction jobs. Workers were busy with a 96-room Staybridge Suites Hotel, a 360-space downtown public parking garage and several apartment projects.

Boise ranked No. 32 at 12 percent or 2,300 additional construction jobs; Lewiston ranked No. 82 at 8 percent or 100 more jobs; and Idaho Falls ranked No.125 at 8 percent or 200 more jobs, according to AGC .

Pocatello was the only Idaho metro in the lower tier at No. 343 at minus 5 percent or a loss of 100 construction workers.