The slide in the population of people between the ages of 15 and 44 in Blaine County indicates that something is amiss, because it's counter to the national growth trend in that group.
In the last seven years, the number of people in that age group here dropped 3 percent, or 250 people, while the same group increased more than 2 percent nationally.
Yet, the county population aged 45 to 64 increased by 32 percent, or 1,710 people. The Baby Boom bubble easily explains this increase.
So what's a few hundred—or a few thousand—fewer people in the younger age group, more or less?
In the case of 15- to 44-year-olds, less is a concern because of the county's recreation-based economy. People in that age group get the work done, create new businesses, manage old ones and make the economy hum.
Out-of-county migration by those in search of affordable housing may have contributed to the decline to some degree. Still, it's important for elected officials and the business community to acknowledge the decline lest the area enter a long-term slide that cannot easily be arrested.
Contrary to a prevalent "up-by-your-bootstraps" attitude on the part of older workers, it's harder than ever for young workers to establish local roots. Housing prices and rents outstrip prevailing wages by multiples older workers never saw.
Even if housing prices modulate somewhat, the troubled financial markets will continue to make worker housing scarce.
Thus, it's imperative that local cities and Blaine County not drop efforts to address the worker-housing crunch.
One bright spot on the horizon is the move by the Ketchum Community Development Corp. to seek a $7 million grant to construct 22 rental units on city property. Details are still unclear, but they would be the first new apartments built in the north county for decades.
At the same time, budget cuts and lackluster interest by elected officials are strangling the Blaine County Housing Authority. It can't afford to hire an executive director, which means little significant new work will get done. Board member John Flattery recently resigned, frustrated that the authority will not be able to meet its goals.
Housing efforts have also been battered by Idaho court decisions that slapped down inclusionary zoning requirements by declaring them an unconstitutional tax.
When the national financial crisis abates, Blaine County will need to address the problem of attracting and keeping young workers.
This is no time to stop trying.
