Idaho local data guide

How Population Growth Compares in Boise, Meridian, and Nampa (2026)

As of 2026, the Treasure Valley is experiencing a shift in growth patterns. While Boise remains the largest population hub, Meridian and Nampa are steadily growing, but smaller outlying communities like Kuna and Star are now experiencing the most rapid percentage-based expansion as residential development pushes outward.

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

The short answer

In 2026, the Treasure Valley's growth dynamics show that while Boise maintains the largest total population, it is growing at a more stable, slower pace compared to the surrounding suburbs. Meridian and Nampa continue to add significant numbers of residents annually, but smaller cities such as Kuna and Star are currently leading the region in percentage-based growth rates as the metropolitan footprint expands.

Key facts

2026 City Size Leaders
Boise remains the largest city (est. 256,450), followed by Meridian (est. 152,070).
Year-Over-Year Growth Rates
Larger cities like Meridian and Nampa grew by approximately 3% in the year leading up to the 2026 estimates, while smaller communities like Kuna and Star saw growth rates of approximately 14%.
Total Population Gains
In the year prior to the 2026 estimates, Caldwell (+5,160), Kuna (+4,810), and Meridian (+4,730) added the highest number of total residents.

Large-Scale Growth Trends

Boise serves as the regional anchor, maintaining a massive population lead compared to its neighbors. However, growth in Boise has stabilized relative to the rapid expansion seen in the early 2020s. Conversely, mid-sized cities like Meridian and Nampa continue to act as major recipient cities for new residents, consistently adding thousands of people annually to the Treasure Valley's total population.

The Rise of Outlying Communities

The fastest percentage-based growth is no longer occurring within the core of Boise, Meridian, or Nampa. Development has shifted toward smaller municipalities such as Kuna and Star. These areas offer different inventory profiles and often serve as the primary areas for new residential construction as the region's developable land pushes outward from the traditional city centers.

Implications for Relocation and Planning

For those considering a move to the Treasure Valley, it is important to distinguish between total volume and rate of growth. While cities like Meridian offer more established infrastructure and larger service sectors, smaller, fast-growing cities like Star may offer a different pace of life but require careful consideration of transit times, as they are seeing the most significant infrastructure expansion to accommodate their explosive percentage-based growth since the 2020 Census.

Common questions

Are smaller cities growing faster than Boise, Meridian, and Nampa?

Yes. As of 2026, while Meridian and Nampa grew by about 3% year-over-year, smaller communities like Kuna and Star recorded growth rates of approximately 14%.

Which city added the most residents in the latest estimates?

In the year leading up to the 2026 estimates, Caldwell led with 5,160 new residents, followed closely by Kuna (4,810) and Meridian (4,730).

Related Idaho questions

  • What is the current housing inventory in Nampa and Meridian?
  • How does the cost of living in Nampa compare to Boise?
  • What are the long-term population projections for the Treasure Valley?

Sources and verification