A new report ranks Idaho as the third most economically distressed state in the nation.
The report by the Kaiser Family Foundation compares states in terms of unemployment numbers, food stamps participation and foreclosure rates.
From December 2007 to December 2008, Idaho’s unemployment rate increased 3.7 percent, the fourth largest jump in the nation, while food stamp use in Idaho jumped 24.2 percent from October 2007 to October 2008, the third largest increase in the U.S., and well above the national average of 14.2 percent.
Idaho ranked 10th in the nation for foreclosures, with one in 479 homes foreclosed – the national average is one in 488.
The report listed Nevada as the nation’s most economically-stressed state, followed by Florida, Idaho, Georgia and Indiana.
The least affected states are West Virginia, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming and Oklahoma. (Idaho Statesman)
