Pocatello Employment

Idaho State University Research and Business ParkWith an active economic development team headquartered at the ISU Research and Business Park, Pocatello enjoys a stable and diversified economic base. fDI Magazine ranked Pocatello the #7 Micro City of the Future for 2009–2010 including a #2 ranking for the Best Economic Potential category. Pocatello also earned a spot as a top 5 city for Lowest Unemployment Rate.

Pocatello Economy

The chief sources of income of Pocatello and its surrounding trade area are manufacturing, mining, transportation, agriculture, medical products, processing of agricultural products, high-tech and nuclear research, recreation, and tourism. Pocatello also serves as the retail hub for southeast Idaho.

Farm land near Pocatello, IdahoAgriculture, including farming and processing Idaho's famous potatoes, is an important part of the local economy.

Regional industry also includes the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), located 60 miles northwest of Pocatello. INL was built in 1949 for the construction, testing and operating of new types of nuclear reactors and equipment. More than 50 nuclear reactors have been built at the facility. INL currently employs about 12,000 people.

Pocatello Major Employers

On October 21, 2010, Allstate Insurance Co. said that it will open a $21.9 million customer information center in the Pocatello-Chubbuck area. The nation's second largest home and auto insurer said it will hire more than 500 people to help consumers around the country who call Allstate though the company's 1-800-Allstate sales and service line. The 75,000-square-foot center is scheduled to open in September 2011.

Top 15 Employers

Idaho State University3,460
School District #251,640
Portneuf Medical Center1,170
Pocatello City Government690
ON Semiconductor640
Convergys Business Services600
Union Pacific Railroad470
Bannock County Government410
Wal-Mart Retail Stores410
J.R. Simplot Company360
Varsity Contractors330
Premier Technology320
Farmers Insurance Group250
Marsh Valley School District #21210
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare200

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