Idaho local data guide

Boise Population Growth vs. Other Ada County Cities

While Boise remains the most populous city in Ada County, the region’s population growth is rapidly shifting toward smaller, outlying communities like Star and Kuna. Recent data shows these smaller cities experiencing double-digit percentage growth, while Boise's growth has stabilized at a more modest pace.

Updated with grounded research as of 2026-09-18.

The short answer

Boise’s population growth is currently slower in percentage terms compared to surrounding Ada County municipalities. While Boise’s annual growth has hovered around 1% in recent years, smaller cities like Star and Kuna have seen double-digit percentage increases. This shift highlights a regional trend where development and new residents are increasingly drawn to suburban and exurban areas within the Treasure Valley, rather than the urban core.

Key facts

Boise Annual Growth Rate
Approximately 1.1% in recent annual estimates.
High-Growth Leaders
Star (+14.7%) and Kuna (+14.2%) have recently outpaced the rest of the county in percentage-based growth.
Primary Data Source
The Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) provides regional demographic estimates.

The Shift Toward Suburban Growth

The Treasure Valley is experiencing a distinct pattern where population expansion is more concentrated in smaller municipalities. While larger cities like Boise are essentially built out, cities with available land—such as Star and Kuna—are seeing rapid residential development. This results in much higher percentage growth rates for these smaller cities compared to the more established urban center of Boise.

Percentage vs. Numeric Growth

It is important to distinguish between percentage growth and raw numeric increases when analyzing regional data. A small city with a low base population will show a very high percentage increase even with a moderate number of new homes. Conversely, larger cities might add a similar or larger number of people, but the percentage growth appears smaller due to their already large population base.

Data Considerations for Planning

  • COMPASS uses metrics like building permits and household size to project population trends.
  • Growth rates fluctuate annually and are influenced by land availability, zoning changes, and regional infrastructure projects.
  • Residents and businesses looking at these trends should consider both the pace of growth and the available housing stock in specific sub-markets.

Common questions

Why are Star and Kuna growing faster than Boise?

Growth is largely driven by land availability for new housing developments. As land within Boise becomes scarce or more expensive, developers and homebuyers often move to smaller surrounding cities where new construction is more feasible.

Are these population numbers definitive?

No. Population estimates provided by organizations like COMPASS are based on statistical models, including building permits and average household size. These may differ from official U.S. Census Bureau counts.

Related Idaho questions

  • What factors are driving population growth in Kuna and Star?
  • How does the median home price in Boise compare to Kuna and Star?
  • What is the current population of Ada County as of 2026?

Sources and verification