Idaho Population: 1.96 Million (2024 Estimate)
As of July 2024, Idaho's estimated population is 1,964,726 (US Census Bureau) – a 17% increase since 2010, making it one of the fastest-growing states.
Growth Trajectory
- 2010 Census: 1,567,582
- 2020 Census: 1,839,106
- 2024 Estimate: 1,964,726
- Annual Growth Rate: ~1.5–2.0% (2020–24) – consistently top 5 nationally
Demographic Drivers
- Domestic Migration: #1 net in-migration rate (2021–23) – from CA, WA, OR, CO, AZ
- Natural Increase: Births > deaths (fertility ~1.9, above US avg)
- International: Modest (~2–3K/yr) – diverse origins
Distribution
| Region | Population | Share | Growth |
|---|
| Boise Metro (Ada, Canyon, Gem, Owyhee) | 825,000 | 42% | Fast |
| North Idaho (Kootenai, Bonner, Boundary, Benewah, Shoshone) | 285,000 | 14.5% | Very Fast |
| Idaho Falls Metro (Bonneville, Jefferson) | 165,000 | 8.4% | Fast |
| Pocatello Metro (Bannock, Power) | 95,000 | 4.8% | Slow |
| Twin Falls Metro | 115,000 | 5.9% | Moderate |
| Rest of State (34 rural counties) | 480,000 | 24.4% | Flat/Declining |
Key Demographics (2023 ACS)
- Median Age: 36.8 (US: 38.9) – younger due to families moving in
- Race/Ethnicity: 82% White alone, 13% Hispanic, 2% Two+, 1.5% Asian, 1% AIAN, 0.8% Black
- Education: 92% HS+, 30% Bachelor+ (rising fast)
- Income: Median HH $72,000 (below US $75K); poverty 10%
Challenges of Growth
- Housing: Median home $460K (2024) – +120% since 2015; inventory crisis
- Water: Over-allocated basins (Treasure Valley, Wood River)
- Infrastructure: Roads, schools, power lagging
- Wildland-Urban Interface: Fire risk escalating
- Political: Rapid change strains rural/urban, native/newcomer dynamics
Idaho: small population, huge land, explosive growth. The "Gem State" is being rediscovered—and reshaped.
Wanderlust World