Idaho ranked second in the nation for population growth from 2024-2025, behind only South Carolina, according to recently released estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. The state’s total population rose by 28,861, or 1.4%, to 2,029,733 people during this time.
Now at the halfway point between the decennial censuses of 2020 and 2030, the 2025 population and age characteristic estimates provide an opportunity to take the pulse of Idaho’s demographic growth over the decade so far.
Since 2020, Idaho has been the fastest growing state on aggregate with a net growth of 9.8%, followed by Florida and South Carolina in second and third place respectively.
Figure 1. Idaho’s total population growth
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State Population Totals and Components of Change, July 1 Population Estimates
Population growth in Idaho’s metropolitan areas
In addition to Idaho’s high aggregate growth, population growth in the state also continued to be well distributed over the five-year period, with several of the state’s metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) ranking far above average in growth.
The census provides population estimates for a total of 424 MSAs and Metro Divisions across the country, six of which are in Idaho. From 2020-2025, the average MSA in the U.S. saw a population growth of 3.4%. To compare, all of Idaho’s MSAs with the exception of Lewiston grew faster than the national average, with four seeing growth that was more than twice as fast.
While the Boise MSA led the way in Idaho with 12.2% growth over 2020-2025, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho Falls and Twin Falls all ranked highly as well, as shown in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2. Idaho MSA population growth
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Metropolitan and Micropolitan Statistical Area Population Totals and Components of Change, ranks are among 424 MSAs and Metro Divisions
Sources of Idaho’s population growth
The census also gives insight into the sources of state population growth. Population change over time is driven by two factors: natural change (net of births and deaths) and migration.
Like the rest of the U.S., Idaho has seen natural change fade as a source of growth due to an aging population and falling birth rates. From 2020-2025, Idaho’s population grew by 190,610, and just under 15% of that growth came from natural change.
Although natural population growth remained positive nationally, migration contributed more than 80% of population growth over the past five years. In Idaho, the importance of migration was even more pronounced — the state ranked third in the nation on aggregate for its rate of net migration from 2020-2025 with 8.1% of its total population contributed by in-migration.
What stands out most is that the vast majority of in-migration to Idaho is domestic — referring to residents moving to the state from other U.S. states. From 2020-2025, Idaho was ranked first in the nation at 85.3% and had only 14.7% of its migration coming from out of the country. For comparison, the top-ranking state for net migration overall, Florida, had a 56% share of international immigration.
Idaho’s population growth by age group
The aging of the population and the retirement of the Baby Boomer generation have become widely known and well understood demographic trends nationally. Census data, however, proves Idaho continues to be home to a relatively young population, with a median age below the national average and a large population in its teens and twenties.
While Idaho has experienced aging and a growing retiree population, the 2025 population estimates show the 65 and older population was not notably oversized relative to younger cohorts, and the two largest age brackets in Idaho continued to be the 15-19 and 20-24-year-old groups, as shown in Figure 3.
Figure 3. Idaho 2025 population by single year of age (0-84)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State Population by Characteristics
Population growth data indicates Idaho is maintaining its demographic profile thanks to robust growth of the younger age groups. While the 70-79-year-old age cohort grew the most in Idaho from 2020-2025, it was followed closely by the 40-49 and 20-29 cohorts, as shown in Figure 4.
Figure 4. Idaho net population growth by age cohort (2020-25)
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, State Population by Characteristics
When looking at census data for individual ages, roughly 64% of Idaho’s population growth has come from those younger than 65, with strong growth in the working age cohorts. Despite concerns over the “Silver Tsunami,” Idaho’s demographics remain relatively balanced, and the state is among the youngest in the country, with the seventh lowest median age.
Final thoughts
Ultimately, what stands out most in the census’s tranche of recent data releases is not that they show a new or unexpected story about Idaho’s demographics, but they reinforce a trend of demographic growth and stability that continues despite changing economic circumstances.
Idaho’s strong pace of population growth began well over a decade ago when economic conditions were stable and strong. This growth has continued throughout the current decade and has shown no signs of slowing despite uncertain economic outlooks. Idaho grew through the COVID-19 pandemic, and it has continued to grow as the economy normalizes. Despite important concerns like housing affordability and inflation in recent years, Idaho’s demographic strength remains unshaken.
Samuel.Wolkenhauer@labor.idaho.gov, research analyst supervisor
Idaho Department of Labor
208-696-2353
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