Boise, Idaho

Boise: The capital of Idaho. It is located in the western part of the state. Boise is known for its many parks and green spaces, its many outdoor activities, and its many attractions, such as the Boise Art Museum and the Discovery Center of Idaho.

About

Boise is a city located in the county of Ada in the U.S. state of Idaho. Its population at the 2010 census was 205,671 and a population density of 959 people per km². After 9 years in 2019 city had an estimated population of 228,959 inhabitants.

The city was created 162 years ago in 1862.

Boise is the capital and most populous city in the state of Idaho. With over 228,000 residents, it is Idaho's largest metro area.

History and Origins

Boise began as a fort and mining town in the 19th century. It emerged as Idaho’s commercial and governmental center.

Key historical facts:

  • Founded in 1863 as a fort during the Idaho Gold Rush
  • Named by French-Canadian explorers, derived from “Boisé” meaning “wooded”
  • Became capital of Idaho Territory in 1864
  • Grew significantly after arrival of the railroad in the 1870s

Economy and Major Industries

Major sectors today include government, technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Notable companies headquartered in Boise include:

  • Micron Technology semiconductor firm
  • Albertsons grocery chain
  • Idaho Power electrical utility
  • WinCo Foods supermarket chain

Attractions and Things to Do

Top attractions are:

  • Boise River Greenbelt with parks and trails
  • Idaho State Capitol building and museums
  • Boise Zoo and Julia Davis Park
  • Idaho Botanical Garden
  • Bogus Basin ski area just 16 miles from downtown

Boise provides urban amenities and outdoor recreation in Idaho's Treasure Valley.

Boise locator map
Location of Boise on Idaho map.

Quick Facts about Boise

Population : 228,959 (2019)
Country : United States of America
State : Idaho (United States)
County : Ada County
Postal code : 83701–83799
Phone Area Codes : 208
Area : 214.4 km2
Official name : Boise
Legislative body : Boise City Council
Altitude : 2,703 feet / 824 meters
Capital city : Boise is capital of Ada County, Idaho
Establishment : January 01, 1863 (162 years ago)
Time Zone : Mountain Time Zone
Local time : 21:48:45 (29th April 2025)
Density : 1,068 Pop. per km² as of 2019
Population growth : 10.17% (2010-2019)
Boise1-vert image
Boise1-vert
Boise1-vert image
Boise1-vert image

Geography

Boise is located at 43°36'49"N 116°12'12"W (43.6135000, -116.2034500).

Boise map

Click "full screen" full screen map icon to open full mode. View satellite images

  • Herbert F. Lemp , 1927-05-02T00:00:00Z death in office 6 May, 1927
  • Harry Fritchman , 1912 1911-01-01T00:00:00Z
  • Jay S. Amyx , 1974 1966-01-01T00:00:00Z
  • Ross Cady , 1 May, 1933 1933-02-13T00:00:00Z
  • Moses Alexander , 18 July, 1903 1901-07-13T00:00:00Z
  • Sam S. Griffin , 25 February, 1946 1945-10-31T00:00:00Z
  • Carolyn Terteling-Payne , 6 January, 2004 2003-02-18T00:00:00Z
  • Byron E. Hyatt , death in office 11 November, 1936 1935-05-01T00:00:00Z
  • Ernest G. Eagleson , 2 May, 1927 1925-05-05T00:00:00Z
  • Walter F. Hansen , 30 April, 1929 1927-05-06T00:00:00Z
  • Richard Eardley , 1986 1974-01-01T00:00:00Z
  • H. W. Whillock , 6 May, 1947 1946-02-25T00:00:00Z
  • H. Brent Coles , 15 February, 2003 1993-01-05T00:00:00Z
  • J. L. Edlefsen , 29 April, 1939 1936-11-11T00:00:00Z
  • John M. Haines , 10 April, 1909 1907-04-06T00:00:00Z
  • Dirk Kempthorne , 1993 1986-01-01T00:00:00Z Republican Party
  • James H. Hawley , 20 July, 1905 1903-07-18T00:00:00Z
  • Lauren McLean , 2020-01-07T00:00:00Z
  • J. W. Robinson , 1 June, 1916 1915-04-04T00:00:00Z
  • Eugene W. Shellworth , 1966 1961-05-01T00:00:00Z
  • Austin Walker , death in office 31 October, 1945 1942-05-11T00:00:00Z
  • J. J. McCue , 1 May, 1935 1933-05-01T00:00:00Z
  • James A. Pinney , 6 April, 1907 1905-07-20T00:00:00Z
  • Eugene B. Sherman , 5 May, 1925 1921-04-07T00:00:00Z
  • James P. Pope , 13 February, 1933 1929-04-30T00:00:00Z
  • Potter P. Howard , 1 May, 1951 1947-05-05T00:00:00Z
  • H. W. Whillock , 11 May, 1942 1941-04-19T00:00:00Z
  • Joseph T. Pence , 1911 1909-01-01T00:00:00Z
  • James L. Straight , 19 April, 1941 1939-04-29T00:00:00Z
  • David H. Bieter , 7 January, 2020 2004-01-06T00:00:00Z Democratic Party
  • S. H. Hays , 26 April, 1919 1916-06-06T00:00:00Z
  • Arthur Hodges , 1915 1912-01-01T00:00:00Z
  • Ernest G. Eagleson , 7 April, 1921 1919-04-28T00:00:00Z
  • R. E. Edlefsen , 1 May, 1959 1951-05-01T00:00:00Z
  • Robert L. Day , 1 May, 1961 1959-05-01T00:00:00Z

Demographics

The population of Boise increased by 10.17% in 9 years.

Year Population % Change Method
2010 205,671 - census
2011 212,635 3.28% estimation process
2012 215,627 1.39% estimation process
2013 217,330 0.78% estimation process
2014 219,440 0.96% estimation process
2015 220,850 0.64% estimation process
2016 224,604 1.67% estimation process
2017 227,648 1.34% estimation process
2018 228,442 0.35% estimation process
2019 228,959 0.23% estimation process

Boise zip code is 83702. County name: Ada, County fips: 16001

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Other Places in Boise

1 Idaho State Department of Agriculture

Rating: 5 (6)

2270 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +12083328500 🔗 Url

Idaho State Department of Agriculture

2 USDA Rural Development

Rating: 2.3 (3)

9173 W Barnes Dr # A, Boise, ID 83709, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +12083785600 🔗 Url

3 US Consolidated Farm Services Agency

9173 W Barnes Dr suite b, Boise, ID 83709, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +12083785650 🔗 Url

4 US Agricultural Department

322 E Front St # 401, Boise, ID 83702, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +12083734351 🔗 Url

5 US Agricultural Research Services

800 E Park Blvd # 105, Boise, ID 83712, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +12084220700 🔗 Url

6 Idaho Dept. of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Laboratories

2230 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +12083328570 🔗 Url

7 Idaho Bureau of Weights and Measures

2216 Kellogg Ln, Boise, ID 83712, United States ➦ Show Map

☎ +12083328690 🔗 Url

People born in Boise (179)

People born in Boise, including computer scientist Eugene Myers, professional wrestler Torrie Wilson, freestyle skier Jeret Peterson, .

List

  • Kristine Sutherland (actress) she was born in 17/04/1955
  • Bridget Powers (American actress, movie film performer, and musician) she was born in 11/10/1980
  • Jeremy Shada (actor and singer) he was born in 21/01/1997
  • Jake Plummer (American football player) he was born in 19/12/1974
  • David H. Bieter (American politician) he was born in 01/11/1959
  • Frank Church (American politician (1924-1984)) he was born in 25/07/1924
  • Eilen Jewell (American singer) she was born in 06/04/1979
  • Sara Studebaker (American biathlete) she was born in 07/10/1984
  • Erik Fisher (American alpine skier) he was born in 21/03/1985
  • Rosalie Sorrels (American singer-songwriter) she was born in 24/06/1933
  • Curtis Stigers (American singer) he was born in 18/10/1965
  • James Jesus Angleton (chief of the CIA's counterintelligence (CI) staff from 1954 to 1975) he was born in 09/12/1917
  • Sam Coon (American politician (1903-1980)) he was born in 15/04/1903
  • Oliver Drake (American film director, screenwriter, producer and actor (1903-1991)) he was born in 28/05/1903
  • Zack Shada (American and puerto rican actor) he was born in 25/11/1992
  • Howard W. Hunter (President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) he was born in 14/11/1907
  • Thom Pace (American musician) he was born in 13/01/1949
  • Steve Ripley (American recording artist, songwriter, studio engineer, guitarist, and inventor) he was born in 01/01/1950

Schools in Boise

College & universities near Boise, ID

Code Name City ZIP
142115 Boise State University Boise (ID) 83725
142054 Carrington College-Boise Boise (ID) 83704-8742
460899 Stevens-Henager College Boise (ID) 83709-6733
476850 Boise Barber College Boise (ID) 83709
260929 Paul Mitchell the School-Boise Boise (ID) 83709

Stations (4)

Amtrak & bus stations near Boise, ID

Code Name Address Type
BOI Boise, Idaho 1212 West Bannock St. BUS
NAM Nampa, Idaho 3116 Garrity Blvd BUS
ONT Ontario 653 East Idaho Avenue BUS
VAE Vale, Oregon 151 Smith Street North BUS

Post Office

Post offices near Boise

Post Office Name City ZIP
Borah Post Office Boise (ID) 83702
B Post Office Boise (ID) 83708
Boise Main Post Office Boise (ID) 83708
Overland Post Office Boise (ID) 83705
Boise Airport Station Post Office Boise (ID) 83705

Other cities in Ada County

Cities, towns, neighborhoods & other populated places in Ada County , ID.

City Name Population Title
Meridian 114,161 The most populous city in Ada County, Idaho.
Eagle 29,796 City in Ada County, Idaho, United States
Kuna 22,257 City in Ada County, Idaho, United States
Garden City 11,969 City in Ada County, Idaho, United States
Star 10,532 City in Ada County, Idaho, United States

Distance to Other Cities

Boise distances to largest Idaho cities