NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release: May 15, 2026
Media Contact: Will.Hoenike@labor.idaho.gov

Idaho’s statewide population increased 1.4% in 2025, led by gains of 1.8% in incorporated places (established cities) and 0.5% growth outside of these areas. Of Idaho’s 198 cities, 110 (56%) reported population growth — the remaining 88 cities (44%) either remained constant or declined compared with 2024.

From 2020-2025, nearly 91% (180 of 198) of Idaho’s cities experienced positive population growth. The state also claimed three of the top 100 U.S. cities by population growth rate over this time period — Star, Moyie Springs and Ponderay — with a cumulative growth exceeding 70% and a combined 10,000 net new residents.

Figure 1. Population estimates for Idaho cities, 2020-2025Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Annual population estimates for incorporated places, 2020-2025.”

In 2025, seven cities in Idaho added at least 1,000 net new residents. Caldwell gained the highest number of residents for the second consecutive year. Boise — Idaho’s largest city by population — had the 11^th highest increase and added 699 net new residents. The five cities with the greatest increases in population level were all in the southwestern region: Caldwell (+3,452), Meridian (+3,395), Nampa (+2,807), Star (+2,694) and Kuna (+2,436) (Figure 2).

Figure 2. Top cities in Idaho by level of population increase, 2024-2025Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Annual population estimates for incorporated places, 2020-2025.”

The Idaho cities with the highest percentage increase in population during 2025 were Star (+14.8%), Kuna (+8.4%) and Moyie Springs (+8%). Half of the top 10 cities were in the southwestern labor region, with the remainder spread between the eastern and northern regions (Figure 3).

Figure 3. Top cities in Idaho by population growth rate (population 100+), 2024-2025Source: U.S. Census Bureau, “Annual population estimates for incorporated places, 2020-2025.”

The resident population declined in 64 Idaho cities during 2024-2025. The largest total reductions by level occurred in Hailey (-93), St. Anthony (-66) and American Falls (-52). The highest rates of decline by percentage were in Tetonia (-3.5%), Teton (-2.2%) and Cambridge (-2.2%).

From 2020-2025, the resident population declined in 16 Idaho cities. Each of these incorporated places were home to fewer than 3,000 residents in 2020. The largest total decline in population over the five-year period occurred in Dalton Gardens (-42), Tetonia (-39) and Glenns Ferry (-24), while the largest drops by cumulative growth rate occurred in Tetonia (-12.5%), Harrison (-3.9%) and Fernan Lake Village (-3.6%).

To find out more about census population data for Idaho, visit Labor’s census page.

Note:

The terms “incorporated places” and “cities” is interchangeable within Idaho as the state does not differentiate cities from towns, villages or otherwise named local entities that are independently governed. This is not necessarily the case for all other states.

This Idaho Department of Labor project is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor for SFY26 as part of a Workforce Information grant (41%) and state/nonfederal funds (59%) totaling $860,595.

This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the recipient and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it. Internal use by an organization and/or personal use by an individual for non-commercial purposes is permissible. All other uses require the prior authorization of the copyright owner.