Relocation Guide - Economy & Economic Development

Coeur d'Alene's economy has enjoyed strong growth in the last 20 years, with especially impressive growth in 2004 and 2005. The traditional base of Coeur d'Alene's economy was the natural resources sector. Surrounding forests provide timber for mills to convert to boards and plywood.  The Silver Valley to the east was at one time the richest mining district in the world. These industries provided high-paying jobs, but they also were subject to cyclical economic downturns. While these enterprises continue today, Coeur d'Alene's economic base has expanded to include many new industries.

Tourism related businesses provide 7,700 jobs in Kootenai County with payrolls exceeding $114 million in 2006.

In the 1990s, the Coeur d'Alene region businesses began developing a mixture of manufacturing firms and customer service centers. Flexcel, the largest manufacturing firm in Kootenai County, provides employment for more than 400 people.  In early 2005, Buck Knives moved its plant and headquarters from the San Diego area to Post Falls, where it now employs 280 people.

Now, Kootenai County is home to 250 manufacturing businesses with 4,700 employees and a payroll exceeding $160 million.  Advances in telecommunications operations have also attracted large customer service centers to the area including three Verizon Communications order processing centers, two Center Partners call centers providing customer service for telecommunications companies, and a Coldwater Creek center taking catalog orders.  U.S. Bank opened the county's newest customer service center serving credit card customers in Coeur d'Alene in the spring of 2005. After the U.S. Bank Center opened, customer service centers in Kootenai County employ more than 2,500 people.

The continual creation of new jobs by a growing variety of businesses strengthens, diversifies, and stabilizes the economic base. To serve potential manufacturers or commercial businesses, the area has more than 12 industrial parks.

Labor Force

Median Family Income

*Most recent total available.

Jobs & Payroll by Industry

Major Employers

Idaho Lodging Sales Tax

Economic Development

Several organizations actively promote economic development in Northern Idaho. The missions, goals, and services provided by these organizations complement the services offered by the Coeur d'Alene Area Chamber of Commerce. These include Jobs Plus, Inc., Panhandle Area Council Inc., the Idaho Small Business Development Center, Lake City Development Corporation, and Post Falls Urban Renewal Agency.

Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association

The Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association represents the three hundred businesses in the Downtown Business Improvement District centered around Front, Sherman, and Lakeside Avenues.  They can provide assistance to any business interested in locating in that district. (208) 667-5986

Idaho Small Business Development Center (ISBDC)

The Idaho Small Business Development Center (ISBDC) exists to help businesses thrive and grow!  ISBDC coaches assist entrepreneurs improve or grow their businesses, launch new ventures, commercialize their inventions, buy or sell their business, all through expert one-on-one coaching at no cost. The key areas of focus are leadership development, business planning, marketing strategy, operational improvements, and venture funding. ISBDC also provides extensive selection of affordable business work shops, and research assistance. ISBDC also serves as the primary resource center for small businesses in Northern Idaho.
(208) 769-3284

Idaho Small Business Solutions

Idaho Small Business Solutions is your one-stop location for information on taxing, licensing, and regulating agencies that affect your small business

Lake City Development Corporation (LCDC)

The Lake City Development Corporation (LCDC) is the urban redevelopment agency serving Coeur d'Alene. LCDC is the lead public partner for leveraging the potential of public/private partnerships within our Urban Renewal Districts to ensure strategic economic vitalization/development, sustainable and superior public open spaces, and pre-eminent public art. LCDC's primary responsibilities within the Districts include strategic and master planning, public/private partnership development and community education regarding urban vitalization. (208) 769-2331

Jobs Plus, Inc.

Jobs Plus, Inc. / Coeur d'Alene Area Economic Development Corporation is a non-profit economic development corporation with a mission to expand and diversify the economic and employment base of Kootenai County. Since 1987 they have added more than 75 companies providing over new 4,000 jobs through recruitment efforts. (800) 621-5600 or (208) 667-4753

Panhandle Area Council (PAC)

The Panhandle Area Council Inc. (PAC) is a non-profit, certified Economic Development Corporation organized to aid in diversifying and stabilizing the area's economy. The council serves the five northern counties of Idaho and assists small businesses in their start-up or expansion.  (208) 772-0584