TWIN FALLS COUNTY is the most populous of the eight South Central Idaho Counties and has grown steadily from 1996. The population has increased from 60,998 in 1996 to 71,575 in 2006, an increase of 17.3 percent. The area has swiftly become a regional retail hub for Southern Central Idaho and the population has increased accordingly. The area has abundant natural resources and numerous recreational opportunities. The City of Twin Falls lies on the edge of the spectacular Snake River Canyon and is just two miles from the world famous Shoshone Falls. Good work prospects for job seekers and a moderate climate for retirement age people have helped keep Twin Falls County's population on a steady growth curve. Per capita income has increased from $19,365 to $26,196, or 35 percent. Twin Falls ranks 13th out of Idaho's 44 counties for per capita income.*

* Idaho Department of Labor, September 2007  

JEROME COUNTY has shown steady population growth over the last decade rising 16 percent from 17,294 in 1996 to 20,130 in 2006. Much of the growth has been due to outstanding economic development that has taken place in Jerome County in the last decade. The dairy industry has increased dramatically and the resulting businesses like Jerome Cheese, WestFarm Foods, Inc., WOW Logistics, and Wal-Mart have made Jerome County an attractive place to work. Per capita income has grown from $19,918 in 1996 to $27,249 in 2005. Jerome ranks 8th in per capita income in Idaho.*

*Idaho Department of Labor, September 2007  

MINIDOKA COUNTY's population has declined moderately from 1996 dropping from 20,559 to 19,041 in 2006 for a 7.4 percent decrease. This area had been heavily dependent upon agriculture and food processing jobs and while these are still important components of the economy, there has been recent diversification. Per capita has increased from $16,051 in 1996 to $20,086 in 2005 or 25 percent ranking Minidoka County 41st out of Idaho's 44 counties in per capita income.*

*Idaho Department of Labor, September 2007

CASSIA COUNTY has experienced limited growth over the last 10 years. The population has risen from 21,190 in 1995 to 21,365 in 2006, an increase of less than one percent while decreasing yearly since 2002. Cassia County has abundant natural resources and recreational opportunities. Burley is located on the Snake River and it is a very short distance to the City of Rocks and Pomerelle Ski Resort. Each year, the Mini-Cassia area hosts a boat regatta that enjoys national recognition. Per capita income has increased from $19,499 in 1996 to $25,166 in 2005. Cassia County ranks 19th in per capita income in Idaho *

BLAINE COUNTY has experienced strong and steady growth over the last decade. Population has increased from 17,707 in 1996 to 21,601 in 2006. This is a 10 year increase of 21.4 percent, making Blaine County the fastest growing county in south central Idaho for the last decade. Beautiful mountain scenery and virtually unlimited recreational opportunities make Blaine County a destination location. The world famous Sun Valley Ski Resort attracts thousands of visitors each year. The outlook for Blaine County is for continued growth, but at a somewhat slower rate.