Idaho's personal income grew by 0.9 percent in the first quarter of 2012 to $53.8 billion on an annualized basis. Wages and business profits grew at nearly the same rate — 0.9 perecent for wages, 1.1 percent for business profits. Investment earnings grew by 1.5 percent to $9.7 billion.

Idaho's growth lagged behind the Rocky Mountain Region, which was at 1 percent.

Construction's contribution to personal income growth was up nearly 2 percent, to $2.37 billion. The sector was hard hit during the recession. Real estate, rental and leasing was down 11.4 percent to $459 million.

Personal income includes wages, business profits, investment earnings and transfer payments such as Social Security, unemployment and pensions.