Relative to the size of the state economy, Idaho has one of the largest forest products industries in the nation. Using percentage of total labor income as a measure of relative dependence on the forest products industry, Idaho ranks third among all 50 states. Between 1987 and 1991, roughly six percent of Idaho's total labor income was earned in the forest products sector.
(The highest percentage - nine percent - was earned in Maine.)

 

 

Northern Idaho Counties, 1990

Idaho's ten northern countes are the most dependent upon the forest products industry. In 1990, roughly 60 percent of all forest labor income earned in Idaho was earned in the northern counties.