Idaho Population 2023

Situated toward the northwestern edge of the United States, Idaho is one of the larger states in the country, and its population growth statistics are impressive as well. The last set of confirmed figures comes from the official Census of 2010 which declared that there were 1,567,582 people living in the state -- a rise of just over 20% on the numbers declared in 2000.

An updated estimate on those figures was released in 2011, and it was suggested that the population of Idaho had increased to 1,584,985, making it the 39th largest state in the US. As of the 2015 estimates, the population had increased to 1,654,930.

Idaho Area and Population Density

At a total surface area of 83,570 square miles, Idaho is the 14th biggest state in the country, and even without looking at population density figures, it’s already clear from a population of just over 1.6 million that Idaho must be a very sparsely populated state.

In fact, there are just 19 people for every square mile of land, and only six states in the US can claim a more sparsely populated landscape.

There are a number of reasons for this, mainly because parts of Idaho are inhospitable for permanent settlement. The Rocky Mountains dominate much of Idaho’s skyline and the state is also home to sprawling lakes.

The largest, most populated city, in Idaho is Boise, which is also the state's capital. The largest county by population is Ada, with over 400,000 individuals residing within.

Idaho Gender and Religion Statistics

The median age in Idaho is 35.7 years of age, and the state features a slight gender difference with 49.9% females and 50.1% males residing in the state.

In religious terms, the Idaho population comes in with 67% Christian based faiths, 4% non-Christian faiths, and 27% unaffiliated with any religion in particular.

Idaho Boundary, Census, and Statehood History

Idaho was part of Oregon Territory, definitively acquired in 1846, and was included in Washington Territory upon its establishment in 1853. Idaho became a separate territory in 1863, acquired essentially its present boundaries in 1868, and was admitted as a State on July 3, 1890. Census coverage of present-day Idaho virtually began in 1870, when nearly its whole area was included.

Idaho’s Population History

Idaho is a relatively new addition to the list of US states, and the creation of the Idaho territory took place in 1863. The first recorded Idaho population came from the US Census of 1870 when it was shown that there were just 14,999 residents.

Ten years later in 1880, those numbers had more than doubled to 32,610, and similar increases were recorded throughout the remainder of the 19th century. Idaho joined the Union in 1890, and by the time of the 1900 Census, 161,772 citizens were residing in the new state.

Those huge increases started to slow down, but continued, steady growth throughout the 20th century has taken the Idaho population of 2016 over the 1.6 million mark.

Idaho Population Growth

In 2005 it was claimed that Idaho was the 6th fastest growing state in the US after natural growth figures were released. In the five years following the Census of 2000, that natural growth had led to a net increase of 58,884 citizens due to 111,131 births minus 52,247 deaths and a further increase in net migration added more than 75,000 new residents.

In 2016 Idaho was still growing at an impressive 1.22% per year, putting it 11th among the 50 states in growth rate, and drawing it closer to the 38th spot in overall population, currently held by West Virginia.

Idaho Population Projections

Can that growth be sustained? Idaho may have the space, but geography and a harsh landscape may suggest otherwise. Estimated figures for the 2020 population are expected to surpass 1.75 million people.

Idaho is considered one of the least diverse states in the nation. In fact, it is one of just 10 states that has a predominantly white population -- or a population that is more than 90% white. The top ancestries for residents in the state include German, English and Irish. The state's percentage of African Americans ranks as 48th out of 50 states, which shows the lack of diversity within Idaho.

Idaho has been one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, increasing its population by 55% in the period from 1990 to 2010. In 2015 alone over 75,000 residents moved from other states to Idaho. However, just over 14,000 people from outside of the United States migrated to Idaho. According to 2011 data, just over 27% of children under the age of 1 were classified as belonging to racial or ethnic minority groups.

• Idaho is known as the Gem State because 72 types of precious and semi-precious stones are produced in the state.
• Boise State has the world's first blue football field, nicknamed The Smurf Turf.
• Hell's Canyon is the deepest gorge in the country At 7,900 feet, it is deeper than the Grand Canyon.
• Five historic pioneer trails cross over Idaho.
• The largest man-made geyser is located in Soda Springs.
• Elk Mountain Farms, which grows hops for Anheuser-Busch, stretches across 1,800 acres and is the largest hops farm in the world.
• The Kamiah Valley was the setting for legends and history of the Nez Perce tribe.
• Idaho City's economy was originally developed around gold mining.