Idaho’s Population Grew Slowly from 2012 to 2013

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — State labor officials say Idaho's population grew 1 percent from 2012 to 2013, but a decrease in job activity caused some cities to lose residents or not grow as fast. The Idaho State Journal reports that Idaho's population increased by more than 16,500 during that time frame, with most of the growth taking place in the state's 10 largest cities. Idaho Department of Labor economist Dan Cravens says the exception was in Pocatello — the state's fifth largest city— which lost nearly 400 people. He also noted that while the overall state population grew, cities aren't growing as fast as they have in the past. Cravens says low wages and a lack of jobs may be driving residents away.