Idaho Income Rose Just a Hair

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The latest statistics from the Idaho Department of Labor show personal income in the state rose ever so slightly during the last quarter. The agency reported Monday that personal income increased just 0.7 percent during the period covering April through June. The personal income formula includes all wages, business profits, investment earnings, pensions and transfer payments like Social Security. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis says Idaho's increase is three-tenths of a percentage point below the increase reported nationally, ranking Idaho 48th among states. Wages and salaries statewide rose 0.3 percent during the quarter, an upward tick that also trails the national average. Also on the bright side: Officials say nonfarm business earnings increased 1 percent, outpacing the national benchmark. And the real estate and rental sector increased 2 percent.