A note to our readers…
New Two-Phase Market Report Release Starting June 2025
To get you timely data and meaningful insights, BRR is introducing a new two-phase approach to our monthly Market Report releases:
- Phase 1: Snapshots & Graphs — Available earlier (typically between the 8th and 12th of each month), this first release includes high-level graphs and market snapshots. They’re ready for you to share in your newsletters, social media, or client conversations as soon as they drop.
- Phase 2: Market Stat Sheets — By the 16th of each month, we’ll follow up with the full Market Stat Sheets. This is where we dig deeper into the trends, provide key takeaways, and offer a broader interpretation of the data.
This two-phase release schedule is designed to get you what you need, when you need it: a quick look early on and a full picture shortly after.
Federal Reserve policymakers discussed pausing further interest rate cuts in 2026 during their latest meeting to set interest rate policy, according to newly released minutes.
The minutes state that during the December meeting, “some participants suggested that, under their economic outlooks, it would likely be appropriate to keep the target range unchanged for some time after a lowering of the range at this meeting.”
At the meeting on Dec. 9 and 10, Fed Chair Jerome Powell joined the 9-3 majority on the Federal Open Market Committee to vote for the quarter-point rate cut, taking the rate to a range of 3.5% to 3.75%.
The FOMC will next vote on interest rate policy on Jan. 28. Financial and prediction markets expect the panel to leave its policy rate unchanged at that meeting, with Polymarket indicating an 86% chance of no change.
Southwestern Idaho has the largest share of Idaho’s labor force and outperformed the state when comparing the September employment statistics, except for the loss of unemployed people over the year which was more dramatic statewide. The state grew by .1% or 1,146 people, while the region grew by 1.2% or 5,736 people either working or actively seeking work.
The unemployed grew faster regionally at 2.7% or 470 people actively seeking work with some claiming unemployment benefits. When people relocate to a state, there does seem to be a lag between seeking and accepting a job. The application and interview process can be slowed by employers vetting the applications with more employers requiring background checks —another time-consuming process.
Idaho’s unemployed lost 820 people, a decrease of 2.2%. Southwestern Idaho’s employed residents are essentially keeping pace with the growth of the labor force at 1.1% or 5,266 more people employed than September 2024. The state’s total employment grew by .2% or 1,966 people over the year, indicating that pockets of Idaho declined in total employment while southwestern Idaho compensated for that loss.
The monthly total employment followed the same trend with the region growing by .6% or 2,695 people and the state seeing zero percentage growth with 441 more residents working. The regional economy continues in an upward trend with the unemployed segment declining by .1% over the month or 16 less unemployed residents.
Source: https://lmi.idaho.gov/regional-info/news/around-southwestern-idaho-economic-activity-december-2025/
The Idaho Water Resource Board voted to approve 38 infrastructure grants across the state totaling $22.9 million. Southwestern Idaho received about 20% or $4.3 million, including the following entities and associated awards:
-
-
- Boise City Canal Company – $108,400 King Hill Irrigation District – $2 million Valley Soil & Water Conservation District – $1 million Adams SWCD – $89,430 Eagleson Park Water User Association – $19,000 Mountain Home Irrigation District – $754,976 Boise Project Board of Control – $20,000 Boise Valley Irrigation Ditch Company – $95,794 City of Boise – $109,444
-
Source: https://idahobusinessreview.com/2025/11/25/idaho-water-infrastructure-grants-22-9-million/
Blue Cross of Idaho announced it will consider a change in headquarters from its 1997-built Meridian compound. The company anticipates this will be a long process before finding the right company to take over the space. Meanwhile, they have hired TOK Commercial Real Estate to take stock of the current property while searching for a buyer and simultaneously seeking out a new location for the health care insurance mainstay.
The city of Boise hosted a ribbon cutting for the newly constructed Denton Apartments on the Boise Bench area. The affordable-housing, four-story complex has 190 units ranging from studios to three-bedroom layouts. In partnership with Our Path Home, a nonprofit, there are 19 units dedicated to families experiencing homelessness. The other 171 units serve those earning 80% of the area’s median income, which includes individuals earning $59,950 annually or less and families of four earning $85,600 annually or less. The complex’s amenities include a community room, a fitness area, indoor bike storage and an attached parking garage. Playground, picnic and a barbeque area comprise the outdoor space. The location near St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center checks a box for those workers at the hospital or nearby retail to afford an apartment without busting the budget, along with cutting down on commuting time and costs. The city used $6.7 million in funding from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Other partners include Hawkins Companies and Idaho Housing and Finance Association.
St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center held a ribbon cutting in Caldwell at its new St. Alphonsus Caldwell Health Plaza. The 60,000 square-foot facility houses 30 physicians offering more than 15 specialties to the far-flung communities on Treasure Valley’s west side. The facility provides primary care specifically, leaving the emergency care component to the existing provider, West Valley Medical Center. Caldwell’s population has grown exponentially since the pandemic with 20.3% growth between July 2020 and July 2024, an increase of 12,345 to 73,088. Caldwell was ranked No. 51 in total growth across the nation’s cities from 2020 to 2024. The health care industry mirrors population growth, which syncs with this new primary care facility.
Source: https://idahobusinessreview.com/2025/12/04/saint-alphonsus-caldwell-health-plaza/
A United Van Lines analysis determined the top 10 states Americans moved to in 2025. Idaho ranked #6 out of all states in the nation. Idaho was new to the list this year along with Minnesota and Nevada.
Source: https://www.unitedvanlines.com/newsroom/2025-national-movers-study
Realtor.com released a list of the top 10 real estate events of 2025. One of the top events listed was the impact tariffs have had on homebuilding in the United States, this impact has disproportionately impacted states like Idaho where building is more prominent. In 2025, the President overhauled tariff rates for more than 65 of the country’s trade partners, in an attempt to tip global trade back in favor of U.S. workers. But for the already-strained construction industry, it was a costly blow.
Prices surged for essentials like lumber, steel, drywall, and appliances, adding an average of $9,200 per new home, according to homebuilder estimates, as critical inputs like appliances and countertops faced import taxes as high as 54%.
In fast-growing states like Idaho, North Carolina, and Utah, the ripple effects were immediate, with builders warning of delays, cost pass-throughs to buyers, or canceled projects altogether.
Source: https://www.realtor.com/news/trends/2025-top-real-estate-stories/
Other Real Estate News
Please note: Some news outlets may protect their content with paid subscriptions. While we try to refrain from sharing articles that may not be accessible to everyone, we may share them if important to the industry.
Ada County Year-End Graphs
Elmore County Year-End Graphs
Gem County Year-End Graphs
Four Rivers Regional Year-End Graphs
Additional information about trends within the Boise Region, by existing and new construction, are now available here: Ada County, Elmore County, Gem County, Four Rivers Region (coming soon), and Condos, Townhouses, and Mobile/Manufactured Homes Market Reports. Each includes an explanation of the metrics and notes on data sources and methodology.
Ada County
Canyon County
Elmore County
Gem County
Condos…
Download the latest (print quality) market snapshot graphics for Ada County, Ada County Existing/Resale, Ada County New Construction, Boise County, Elmore County, Gem County, Malheur County, Payette County, and Washington County.
Since Canyon County is not part of BRR’s jurisdiction, we don’t publicly report on Canyon County market trends. Members can access Canyon County snapshots and reports in the Market Report email, or login to our Market Statistics page. Our Owyhee County snapshot can also be accessed on our Market Statistics page.
# # #
The data reported is based primarily on the public statistics provided by the Intermountain MLS (IMLS), a subsidiary of Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR). These statistics are based upon information secured by the agent from the owner or their representative. The accuracy of this information, while deemed reliable, has not been verified and is not guaranteed. These statistics are not intended to represent the total number of properties sold in the counties or cities during the specified time period. The IMLS, Boise Regional REALTORS®, and Idaho Policy Institute provide these statistics for purposes of general market analysis but make no representations as to past or future performance. If you have questions about this report, please contact BRR’s Director of Growth & Strategic Communications Taylor Gray at 208-947-7238. For notes on data sources, methodology, and explanation of metrics, visit boirealtors.com/notes-on-data-sources-and-methodology.
If you are a consumer, please contact a REALTOR® to get the most current and accurate information specific to your situation.
Boise Regional REALTORS® (BRR), a 501(c)(6) trade association, represents real estate professionals throughout the Boise region. Established in 1920, BRR is the largest local REALTOR® association in the state of Idaho, helping members achieve real estate success through ethics, professionalism, and connections. BRR has two wholly-owned subsidiaries, Intermountain MLS (IMLS) and the REALTORS® Community Foundation.
“REALTOR®” is a federally registered collective membership mark which identifies a real estate professional who is member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics.
