Idaho local data guide

Boise, Idaho Population and Demographics

As of July 2026, Boise City remains the population and economic hub of the Treasure Valley, with an estimated population of 238,853. While the city continues to experience modest growth, the broader Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) serves as the primary driver of regional expansion, with suburban municipalities like Star and Kuna recording faster growth rates.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-07-21.

The short answer

Boise continues to serve as the primary urban center of Idaho. While the city itself maintains steady, measured growth, the surrounding Treasure Valley region is experiencing rapid suburban development, which is critical for those evaluating relocation or investment opportunities in the Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Key facts

Boise City Population (2026)
238,853
Boise MSA Population (2025)
864,243
Median Age (Boise City, 2026)
38.6 years

Regional Growth Dynamics

Boise City’s population growth remains stable, characterized by an annual growth rate of approximately 0.18% as of 2026, totaling a 1.19% increase since the 2020 Census. However, the geographic distribution of growth has shifted toward the periphery of the Treasure Valley.

  • Suburban growth: Municipalities like Star and Kuna have outpaced Boise in percentage growth, reflecting the region's expanding housing footprint.
  • Metropolitan reach: The Boise MSA, which encompasses a broader labor and housing market, reached an estimated population of 864,243 in 2025.

Demographic Profile

The demographic composition of the Boise urban area reflects a maturing population with a median age of 38.6 years. Racial and ethnic diversity remains present but concentrated, with the 2024 urban area estimates indicating a population that is 80% White, 10% Hispanic, and 3% Asian.

Planning for Relocation

When analyzing data for residential or commercial planning, it is vital to distinguish between city-limit boundaries and the broader metropolitan area. While Boise provides the highest density of services and employment, the surrounding suburban cities offer distinct housing markets and growth trajectories that influence regional infrastructure and property values.

Common questions

Why is the population growth in Boise different from suburban cities like Star or Kuna?

Boise is more densely developed, leading to slower percentage growth, whereas suburban cities like Star and Kuna have more available land for new residential housing developments, which drives faster percentage increases.

What is the difference between the Boise City population and the Boise MSA?

Boise City refers to the population within the municipal boundaries, whereas the Boise Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes surrounding counties and cities that share a common social and economic integration.

Related Idaho questions

  • What is the average household income in Boise, Idaho?
  • How does the cost of living in Boise compare to the national average?
  • What is the projected population growth for Ada County through 2030?
  • What are the largest employment industries in the Boise Metropolitan area?

Sources and verification