Story perspectives
Idaho Rural Population Declines, Education and Broadband Needed
11/27/2025
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Story summary
- Idaho Department of Labor's 2025 Profile of Rural Idaho shows that in 2023, 28% of Idaho residents lived in rural counties, down from 36% in 1990.
- Poverty rates have decreased to where 31% of rural families can earn enough to support a family of four.
- The report calls for targeted workforce education and broadband access to reduce employment barriers.
- Crime rates have decreased overall, while drug offenses have risen.
