Oregon Public Broadcasting

Idaho's unemployment rate has fallen for the third consecutive month. The May jobless rate was down slightly to an even nine percent.

Labor Department spokesman Bob Fick says the Gem State is in the midst of a slow, steady economic recovery. He says most industries are starting to see job growth, with rural areas leading the way.

Bob Fick: "Boise is recovering much more slowly and the other metro areas, to a certain extent, are in the same boat. Consequently, its sluggishness is dragging down the overall recovery of the state."

The unemployment rates in Boise and Coeur d'Alene are hovering around 10 percent, the highest of Idaho's urban areas.

Fick says Labor Department analysts expect the state's slow growth to continue through the summer.