Idaho’s Population Has Grown 158% in 50 Years… 5 Reasons People Are Flocking There

When it became a state in July 1890, Idaho was still considered wilderness and only had around 88,548 residents. This was still major growth from even 20 years prior when the population barely topped 13,000. As industry and influence grew, Idaho’s population also grew. By 1950, there were roughly 588,000 people living in the state. Since then, Idaho has continued to grow, adding over 1 million people to its population in recent decades.

Idaho’s Population Through the Years

By 1970, there were around 712,000 people living in Idaho. The 80s saw additional growth. The state population rose to roughly 944,000 people. This decade was significant because it saw the population of Idaho finally cross the 1 million threshold. By the 1990s, Idaho had over 1 million residents. The population of the state was roughly 1,006,750 people in 1990.

Things slowed down a little in the 2000s across the country but the population of Idaho continued to grow. The state population was around 1,294,000 residents. By 2010, Idaho was booming and had around 1.5 million people living in the state. This is phenomenal growth considering just 20 years earlier, they had only just crossed the 1 million resident mark.

Data from 2020 showed around 1,839,000 residents in Idaho. Compared to just 50 years ago in 1970, this is an amazing 158% growth rate! There are a few things that have made Idaho so appealing to people relocating.

Strong Economy

Why has the population grown so much in Idaho over the years? One of the biggest factors in any state’s population growth is the state economy. Idaho has multiple industries, including agriculture and manufacturing, two staples in the U.S. economy since its beginnings. Even if one sector saw decreases, other industries were there to keep things going in Idaho. In more recent years, technology has also become a larger part of the Idaho state economic boom.

Not only has the economy remained strong and reliable, but many businesses in Idaho have added enough jobs to keep unemployment numbers relatively low in the state. Even when other states had higher than normal rates of unemployment, Idaho residents were working. This keeps the state economy going and makes the area appealing for those looking for work or to relocate for better professional opportunities. It is also very friendly toward entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Natural Areas

Idaho is known for its rugged natural beauty, something that makes it very appealing to those looking to embrace an outdoor lifestyle. Whether you want towering forests, biking, or rock climbing, Idaho has something to offer. The Craters of the Moon National Monument is a lava flow area that is truly unique in its look. Yellowstone National Park also includes part of Idaho. These stunning natural areas have boosted Idaho’s population from its early days as a territory and state.

For natural history buffs, Idaho is a fantastic place to be. The Hagerman Fossil Beds and Ice Age Floods trail are two important sites for those working and studying in the fields of paleontology, geology, and others. Even for amateur enthusiasts, these places are great to visit and explore. For those who like to study and explore more recent historical sites, the Oregon Trail, Lewis and Clark Trail, and Nez Perce National Historical Park are all great places to go. Idaho has its share of history as well as academics and others who come to this state to learn about it.

Higher Education

Many residents may have come to Idaho to pursue advanced education and degrees, only to find themselves settling in this state after graduation. While students may not contribute to the overall population of the state at first, many stay in Idaho and become residents. Idaho is home to the beautiful campuses of the University of Idaho, Boise State, Northwest Nazarene University, Idaho State, and many others. Many of these schools offer undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees. Students are various stages in life and professions come to Idaho to pursue their studies.

Low Cost of Living

For those practical-minded residents, it might have been the low cost of living in Idaho that drew them to this state. Housing costs have historically been less than the national average. Transportation, child care, and health care also tend to be lower in Idaho. It’s important to note that these can vary even within the state, however. Popular cities, such as the capital, Boise, or the lakefront town of Sandpoint on picturesque Lake Coeur d’Alene, are more expensive than other areas in Idaho. They might even be more expensive than similar cities in other states.

Some metrics show that the cost of living has increased in Idaho since 2020. While this trend has been felt across the United States, estimates say that the cost of living in Idaho might be surpassing the national average for the first time.

Low Crime

Idaho has a low crime rate compared to many other states in the Pacific Northwest and across the country. Drug-related crimes and assault were the top two categories in the last few years but even these were minimal compared to cities with larger metropolitan areas. Part of the reason that Idaho has such low crime rates is that it has few major cities. The largest city in the state is Boise, the capital, which has around 237,000 residents. The entire state of Idaho has around 1.9 million residents. Compared to cities known for their higher crime rates, such as Chicago, the population in the state of Idaho is smaller than the population in these large cities.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © shanecotee/ via Getty Images