Idaho, the “Gem State” was the 43rd state admitted into the United States on July 3, 1890. Technically, it became a U.S. territory in 1846 with the signing of the Oregon Treaty of 1846. Idaho is known for its natural areas, mountains, rivers, and of course, its potatoes.
Behind Montana, Idaho has the second highest farm employment compared to its surrounding states of Montana, Utah, Nevada, and Wyoming. According to the Idaho Potato Museum, the reason potatoes grow so well in this state is because “Idaho’s unique environment provides nearly perfect growing conditions for potatoes. The soil, clear clean water, clean air and climate in Idaho make potatoes superior to any potato grown anywhere else.”
Additionally, in 2017 and 2018, Idaho was also second in employment rates among its surrounding states. According to seniorjobbank.org, a site dedicated to providing information on careers and jobs in the states, the top 5 ranked jobs for Idaho residents all have to do with the environment and technology. A few of these positions include forest and conservation technicians, zoologists and wildlife biologists, and agricultural inspectors.
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Idaho is also ideal for developing renewable resource systems such as hydroelectric power from the Snake River Plain, geothermal power, and wind power. These implementations have reflected this in its annual natural resources expenditures. The amount it spends on natural resources has consistently increased each year. In fact, the spending has increased by $107.22 million from 2000 to 2017.
Despite their mission to better the environment, Idaho ranks roughly in the middle of states for their technology and science rating. According to Truth in Accounting’s State Data Lab, “this rate measures states on their science and technology capabilities and broader commercialization ecosystems that contribute to firm expansion, high-skills job creation, and broad economic growth. It aims to demonstrate a state's foundation and preparedness for future innovative economic competitiveness and adaptability.”
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You can learn more interesting facts about Idaho and the rest of the 50 states by making your own charts using State Data Lab. Happy 129th birthday, Idaho!
Georgia Evans is a social media and analytics intern for Truth in Accounting, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Chicago that researches government financial data.