Boise, Idaho
Boise: The capital 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 163 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.
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 |
| Latitude & Longitude | 43.6135,-116.2035 |
| Legislative body | Boise City Council |
| Altitude | 2,703 feet / 824 meters |
| Capital city | Boise is capital of Ada County, Idaho |
| Establishment | January 01, 1863 (163 years ago) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Time Zone |
| Local time | 14:28:12 (22nd April 2026) |
| Density | 1,068 Pop. per km² as of 2019 |
| Population growth | 10.17% (2010-2019) |
| Weather | 45℉ Showers And Thunderstorms 7-days weather |
Geography
Boise is located at 43°36'49"N 116°12'12"W (43.6135000, -116.2034500).
Boise map
icon to open full mode. View satellite images
Weather
Showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 45. West southwest wind 7 to 12 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation...
7-Day ForecastOfficial website of Boise
Official WebsiteDemographics
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 |
Services and Civic Places in Boise
1Idaho State Department of Agriculture
2270 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States View details
Phone: +12083328500 | Website available
2USDA Rural Development
9173 W Barnes Dr # A, Boise, ID 83709, United States View details
Phone: +12083785600 | Website available
3US Consolidated Farm Services Agency
9173 W Barnes Dr suite b, Boise, ID 83709, United States View details
Phone: +12083785650 | Website available
4US Agricultural Department
322 E Front St # 401, Boise, ID 83702, United States View details
Phone: +12083734351 | Website available
5US Agricultural Research Services
800 E Park Blvd # 105, Boise, ID 83712, United States View details
Phone: +12084220700 | Website available
6Idaho Dept. of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Laboratories
2230 Old Penitentiary Rd, Boise, ID 83712, United States View details
Phone: +12083328570 | Website available
7Idaho Bureau of Weights and Measures
2216 Kellogg Ln, Boise, ID 83712, United States View details
Phone: +12083328690 | Website available
People born in Boise (179)
People born in Boise, including computer scientist Eugene Myers, professional wrestler Torrie Wilson, freestyle skier Jeret Peterson, .
More notable people
- 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
Nearby Schools and Colleges
Schools and campuses linked to Boise, ID. Select a name to open its map and contact details.
| Code | Name | City | ZIP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 142115 | Boise State University | Boise (ID) | 83725 |
| 142054 | Carrington College-Boise | Boise (ID) | 83704-8742 |
| 260929 | Paul Mitchell the School-Boise | Boise (ID) | 83709 |
| 460899 | Stevens-Henager College | Boise (ID) | 83709-6733 |
| 476850 | Boise Barber College | Boise (ID) | 83709 |
Nearby Transit Stations (4)
Rail and bus stations connected to Boise, ID. Select a station to open its map and address details.
| 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 |
Closest post offices linked to 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