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Idaho Population Overview (2026 Projection)
Idaho is a state in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. It borders Montana to the east and northeast, Wyoming to the east, Nevada and Utah to the south, and Washington and Oregon to the west.
Idaho is the 38th most populous state in the U.S. The state has a total land area of 83,570 square miles (216,400 square kilometers) and an average population density of about 7 people per square mile, making it the 7th least densely populated state in the country.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Idaho had a population of 1,839,106 (1.84 million). As of July 1, 2024, the estimated population of Idaho is 2,001,619, reflecting strong population growth driven by domestic migration.
Projected Population of Idaho (2026): ~2.1 million
Idaho Population Growth (2010–2020)
Idaho recorded a population growth rate of 17.3% between 2010 and 2020, ranking among the fastest-growing U.S. states during the decade. The state added 271,524 residents since 2010. The median age in Idaho is approximately 35.7 years, and the population is nearly evenly split by gender, with 49.9% females and 50.1% males.
Idaho Census Snapshot (2020)
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Total Population | 1,839,106 (1.84 million) |
| Percentage Change since 2010 | 17.3% |
| Population Rank | 38th |
| Total Land Area | 83,570 sq mi (216,400 km²) |
| Area Rank | 14th |
| Population Density | 7.09 per sq mi (2.73 per km²) |
| Capital City | Boise |
| Largest City | Boise |
Idaho Historical Population
Idaho’s population has grown steadily since it became a U.S. territory, with especially rapid expansion during the late 19th century and strong growth resuming in recent decades. Early population growth was driven by settlement and mining, while migration, economic opportunities, and improved quality of life have fueled modern growth. Between 2010 and 2020, Idaho recorded one of the fastest population growth rates in the country.
Idaho Population by Decade
| Census Year | Population | % Change |
| 1870 | 14,999 | – |
| 1880 | 32,610 | 117.40% |
| 1890 | 88,548 | 171.50% |
| 1900 | 161,772 | 82.70% |
| 1910 | 325,594 | 101.30% |
| 1920 | 431,866 | 32.60% |
| 1930 | 445,032 | 3.00% |
| 1940 | 524,873 | 17.90% |
| 1950 | 588,637 | 12.10% |
| 1960 | 667,191 | 13.30% |
| 1970 | 712,567 | 6.80% |
| 1980 | 943,935 | 32.50% |
| 1990 | 1,006,749 | 6.70% |
| 2000 | 1,293,953 | 28.50% |
| 2010 | 1,567,582 | 21.10% |
| 2020 | 1,839,106 | 17.30% |
Idaho Demographics (Summary)
Religion and Affiliations
Christianity is the majority religion in Idaho, followed by approximately 67% of the population. The largest Christian denominations in the state include Protestant churches (37%), Mormonism (19%), Roman Catholicism (10%), and Eastern Orthodoxy (1%).
The religiously unaffiliated population makes up about 28% of Idaho’s residents and includes individuals who do not identify with any faith or religion. Other non-Christian religions, followed by around 4% of the population, include Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, and other smaller faiths.
For more details, read Religion in Idaho.
Race and Ethnicity
According to the 2020 Census, the White alone (non-Hispanic) population was the largest racial or ethnic group in Idaho, comprising 78.87% of the total population. This was followed by the Hispanic or Latino population at 13.02%. Individuals identifying with two or more races accounted for 4.23%, while Asian residents made up 1.42% of the population. The American Indian population represented 1.03% of Idaho’s total population.
Ancestry in Idaho
Based on census studies and estimates, German, English, Irish, American, and Scottish ancestries represent the five largest ancestry groups in Idaho.
For more details, read Race and Ethnicity in Idaho.
Top Cities and Counties in Idaho
As of 2022, Idaho is divided into 44 counties. The largest county by population is Ada, with over 511,931 individuals residing within. The largest county by area is Idaho County (8,485 sq mi).
The largest, most populated city, in Idaho, is Boise, which is also the state’s capital followed by Meridian and Nampa. Only these three cities have a population of more than 100,000.
read more about cities and counties in Idaho
Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho
Frequently Asked Questions about Idaho1. What is the population of Idaho in 2024?
As of July 1, 2024, Idaho’s estimated population is approximately 2,001,619, up from 1.84 million in the 2020 Census.
2. Is Idaho one of the fastest-growing states in the U.S.?
Yes. Idaho was among the fastest-growing states between 2010 and 2020, recording a 17.3% increase, largely due to domestic migration.
3. What is the largest city in Idaho?
Boise is the largest city in Idaho and also serves as the state capital.
4. What racial or ethnic group is the largest in Idaho?
The White alone (non-Hispanic) population is the largest group in Idaho, making up 78.87% of the population as of 2020.
5. What is the population density of Idaho?
Idaho has a low population density of about 7 people per square mile, making it one of the least densely populated states in the U.S.
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