Moving to Idaho statistics (2025 data)

How many people move to Idaho?

In 2023, approximately 81,708 people moved to Idaho, while 64,970 moved out. This represents a net migration increase of 16,738 residents. Despite having the 13th smallest population in the U.S., Idaho ranks second for projected population growth through 2032. The number of working-age residents (16 to 65 years old) is estimated to grow by 14%, compared to only 2% nationally.

The Gem State has become increasingly popular for movers, especially for West Coast expats. According to a recent ConsumerAffairs study based on a sample of 143,506 ConsumerAffairs.com users who expressed an interest in moving between January 2023 and March 2024, Idaho ranked as the ninth most desired state to move to.

Top 5 cities that people moved to in Idaho

Idaho ranks as the third best U.S. state to move to in 2024 based on weighted factors like safety and quality of life. Many people moving from other states are attracted to the booming economy and opportunities for outdoor recreation, resulting in 104,313 new residents between 2020 and 2023. That’s nearly as many domestic migrants as Montana received within the past decade.

Of those moving to Idaho, the vast majority are relocating to the more affordable cities and towns outside of Boise and Coeur d'Alene. This showcases how the desire for affordable living, economic opportunity and beautiful scenery drives much of the state’s migration. Meridian attracted the most new residents, adding 17,056 (14.5% growth) between 2020 and 2023. Other areas just outside of Boise that also saw high positive migration include Nampa, Caldwell and Kuna, which all saw population increases near or above 14%.

Post Falls was the only location near Coeur d'Alene to make the list, but saw one of the most impressive population growths in the state, at 16.2% over the time span studied.

The top five Idaho cities people moved to between 2020 and 2023 were the following:

Why do people move to Idaho?

Idaho’s impressive domestic migration can be attributed to economic and political factors. Of the 87,949 who moved to the state between 2021 and 2022, 56.5% (49,684 people) came from either California, Washington or Oregon. These states are not only politically “blue” but are also some of the most expensive in the nation. For many movers, the desire to find more affordable housing and better job opportunities in a state that shares their political values is a primary driver.

The largest industries in Idaho are trade, transportation, and utilities, government, and education and health services. Collectively, these industries employ roughly 50% of nonfarm workers. The fastest-growing industry in the state is the aforementioned education and health services sector, growing by 9.3% between July 2023 and July 2024.

Idaho housing statistics

With a median rent price of $1,417 and a median home sale price of $475,500, there’s a noteworthy disparity between the affordability of Idaho rentals and home purchases. Renters can expect to spend slightly less than the national median, while prospective homeowners may spend at least 13% more than the national median to purchase a home.

Fortunately, Idaho has the 13th lowest property tax rate in the nation at 0.67%. The Gem State shares this rate, which is half that of Kansas, with several states, including Mississippi, New Mexico and Tennessee.

In 2021, the average property owner in Ada County — where Boise is located — paid $2,229 in annual property taxes. In general, while the property taxes are lower than average in Idaho, the amount paid varies greatly by county. Residents in Blaine County paid an average of $2,446 annually in 2021, while those in Clark County paid much less at an average of $673.

Cost-of-living statistics in Idaho

Idaho’s cost-of-living index is 106.1, making it slightly more expensive than the national average. Gas prices in the state follow this trend — averaging $3.61 per gallon, or 10.7% higher than the national average ($3.26). In part, these high prices are due to a general lack of oil production and logistical challenges. However, with impressive renewable generation and a low carbon footprint, Idaho also ranks as the sixth most green state in the country.

While Idaho’s cost-of-living index is higher than average, the state’s median household income of $71,853 is slightly less than the national median of $75,358. On the other hand, the unemployment rate of 3.4% is less than the national average of 4.2%.

Though Idaho’s disparity between higher-than-average home prices and a lower-than-average median household income can pose challenges, the difference in cost is less pronounced than in neighboring Montana. This helps explain why the Gem State is more popular than other more expensive states nearby.

Who lives in Idaho?

An estimated 1,964,726 people live in Idaho as of 2023, making it the 38th largest state in terms of population. This represents a population increase of 25,730 people compared to 2022.

Idaho’s population is slightly more male than female, with men accounting for 50.3% of the population and women accounting for 49.7%. In 2023, 988,459 Idaho residents were male, and 976,267 were female.

On average, Idaho’s population is also younger (37.6 years old) than the U.S. average of 38.9 years. The largest age demographic in the state is those between 25 to 44 years old, accounting for 473,213 residents, or 24.1% of the population.

The vast majority of Idaho residents are white, with residents in this demographic accounting for 92.5% of the population (nearly 1.82 million people). Idaho also has a decently-sized Hispanic population, accounting for 13.8% of residents. Please note that those who identify as white in Idaho are divided between the roughly 1.58 million who don’t identify as Hispanic and the 239,618 who do. Asian and Native American residents each account for 1.7% of the population.

Tips for moving to Idaho

Not sure how to start your move to Idaho? Consider these step-by-step moving tips:

1. Understand the cost of living

Idaho’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, but prices also vary by region. Expect popular areas like Boise and Coeur d’Alene to be even more expensive than the state average, while rural areas may offer more affordable options. Before making the move, take time to research the property taxes, housing prices and utility costs of your prospective region. Websites like Idaho.gov provide resources to help with financial planning and budgeting.

2. Explore the job market

With so many West Coast expats moving to the state, Idaho’s economy is booming. Urban centers like Boise and Idaho Falls offer extensive job opportunities in technology, health care and agriculture. Finding work in the remote rural areas of the state may be more challenging, so it’s important to look into employment options before you move. The Idaho Department of Labor website and local job boards are excellent starting points.

3. Prepare for harsh winters

Whether you choose to live in Treasure Valley or deep in the Sawtooth Mountains, expect freezing temperatures and the snow that follows in winter. On average, Boise receives 20 inches of snow annually, while mountainous areas can see far higher totals. Be sure to invest in winter essentials like warm coats, snow boots and vehicle accessories like snow tires and chains. Additionally, familiarizing yourself with winterization techniques for your home and vehicle will help you prepare for Idaho’s seasonal challenges.

4. Plan for transportation needs

Idaho’s breathtaking forests and mountains come with transportation challenges, and most of the state’s residents rely on personal vehicles for travel. Consider investing in all-wheel drive vehicles as well as snow tires for the winter months. You can also utilize Idaho Transportation Department resources to plan the safest routes and stay updated on road conditions throughout the year.

5. Be aware of natural hazards

While Idaho residents are safe from hurricanes and tornadoes, natural hazards like wildfires, floods and severe winter storms still pose a threat. Dry summers consistently spark wildfires in rural forested regions, while flooding can impact travel in the mountains. To stay informed, consider signing up for Idaho’s Office of Emergency Management alerts.

6. Embrace the outdoor lifestyle

The Gem State is home to several stunning rivers, forests and mountain ranges, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. We encourage you to take advantage of all the state has to offer through activities like hiking, fishing, skiing and camping. Check out Idaho State Parks & Recreation resources to discover outdoor activities in your new community.

7. Understand mover quotes and tipping

When moving to Idaho, carefully review and compare moving company quotes. Be sure to account for potential additional fees depending on where you’re relocating to. Tipping movers is customary; a tip of 10% to 20% of the total cost is standard based on the quality of service.