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.

In 2010, tourism employment peaked at 7,800.

Businesses in Kootenai County began developing a variety of manufacturers in the late 1980s. Kimball Office, the largest manufacturing firm in the county, moved there in 1994.  It provides employment for more than 300 people.  In 2005, Buck Knives moved its plant and headquarters from the San Diego area to Post Falls, where it now employs more than 200 people. Today, Kootenai County is home to 270 manufacturing businesses with 4,500 employees and a payroll exceeding $170 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. Currently, customer service centers in Kootenai County employ about 2,200 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.

Click on the information below for more targeted and specific details about living and working in the greater Coeur d'Alene area.

Additionally,  we highly recommend you visit Kootenai County Indicators; a website compiled by  Eastern Washington University. This website provides more than 130 indicators across the county in various community sectors, including demographics, education, public saftey, and economic vitality. 

*Reflects January through December 2010.

Relocation Guide - Real Estate

With dozens of lakes, miles of rivers and thousands of acres of National Forest, many consider Coeur d’Alene a recreational paradise. Trophy hunting and fishing, world class skiing and hundreds of miles of hiking, biking and riding trails with our four distinct seasons make Coeur d’Alene a beautiful place with plenty to do and see any time of year. Our stable economy and crime free living attract visitors from around the world.  Once here, many opt to make Coeur d’Alene their permanent home or choose to invest in vacation homes living here only part-time. We are sure you will enjoy your time here, whether it’s vacation time or a life time!

To find a home, real estate agent or general information on buying or renting a home please visit Coeur d’Alene Realtor Association at www.cdarealtors.com.

Median Sales Price Single Family Home 2010

Economic Development

The Economic Development of Coeur d’Alene and the surrounding area is actively promoted through many community organizations. The missions, goals, and services provided by these organizations complement the services offered by the Coeur d’Alene 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)

208.769.3284 • wkjhung@nic.edu

Idaho SBDC exists to help businesses thrive and grow. We provide no-cost business coaching, and low cost business & leadership training. Idaho SBDC coaches assist entrepreneurs to improve and accelerate their business growth,  export their products/services, commercialize their inventions, buy or sell their business, and launch new businesses, all through expert one-on-one coaching. The key areas of focus are leadership development, business planning, marketing strategy, operational improvements, and venture funding. Idaho SBDC also provides an extensive selection of affordable business workshops, and serves as the primary resource center for small businesses in Northern Idaho.

Lake City Development Corporation (LCDC)

208.292.1630 • www.lcdc.org

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 achieve Coeur d’Alene’s vision of a diverse, sustainable community with healthy neighborhoods, a vibrant central city, a strong regional economy, sustainable, superior public open spaces, and quality jobs and housing for all.

Jobs Plus, Inc.

1.800.621.5600 or 208.667.4753 • www.jobsplusonline.org 

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 80 companies providing over 5,000 jobs through recruitment efforts.

Panhandle Area Council (PAC)

208.772.0584 • www.pacni.org

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.