Welcome to Idaho
Your life in the Gem State begins
Welcome to Idaho
Idaho, nicknamed the Gem State, has more than 1.7 million people that call it home. Located in the northwest, Idaho is known for its scenic mountain ranges, potatoes, protected wilderness, and outdoor recreation areas (like the Boise River).
Idaho's major industries include tourism, healthcare, agriculture, manufacturing, and food and beverage manufacturing. The state also produces 72 types of gemstones, including rubies and diamonds.
Some of the major attractions include the Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve, Shoshone Falls Park, Oregon Trail, Silverwood Theme Park, and Silver Mountain.
Idaho Self-Storage Facts
The Idaho self-storage industry consists of about 436 self-storage facilities spread throughout the state. The number has been rising lately thanks to an increase in self-storage development that is occurring nationwide. Idaho currently has a surplus of self-storage supply, in fact the state has the highest ratio of self-storage per person at a rate of 10.76 square feet per capita. That's nearly double the national average of 5.4 square feet per capita. Still, opportunities exist for new storage facilities as operators seek to cater to tourists and new residents moving to Idaho from out of state.
Below are some statistics that provide an overview of the self-storage industry in Idaho:
436
Idaho is home to more than 436 self-storage facilities
17,546,608
Idaho facilities offer more than 17,546,608 million square feet of storage space combined.
10.76
Idaho has 10.76 square feet of storage space for every man, woman, and child, the highest per capita rate in the country.
Reasons to Move to Idaho
Thinking of moving to the Gem State, but not really sure if you'll fit in? Check out our top 10 reasons to move to Idaho.
1
Fisherman's delight. Idaho is well known for its trout fishing so if you make the move, you'll have ample opportunities to go fishing in trout streams like the South Fork of the Snake River and Henry's Fork of the Snake River.
2
Affordable living. Idaho is also known for its low cost of living, making it affordable for anyone considering a move from a more expensive state like New York or California.
3
Experience every season. Idaho's weather fluctuates with ice-cold winters and sizzling summers. So if you want a place where you can experience all of the seasons in one place, Idaho's got it.
4
High homeownership rates. Idaho has the 12th highest homeownership rate in the country, according to Census data. That means you'll definitely have your fair shot if that's your goal.
5
Outdoor activities. Idaho makes participating in outdoor recreation easy and it's a favorite for kayakers and whitewater rafters. In the winter, it's a skier's paradise.
6
Live music festivals. Idaho is home to several music festivals for a range of music fans, including the Treefort Music Festival, the Mountain Home Music Festival, and the Festival at Sandpoint, to name a few.
7
Low crime rate. Idaho's got one of the lowest crime rates in the whole country so you can be more confident about your safety here.
8
Close proximity to Yellowstone. Yellowstone's Western Gateway is only about 20 miles from Island Park, Idaho so you'll have direct access to this amazing natural beauty any time.
9
Light traffic. Idaho is among those states that enjoy incredibly light traffic most of the time, especially compared to other places. During rush hour, you're looking at a 30-40 minute commute at the most.
10
Craft beer heaven. In Idaho, you'll find a local brewery within close proximity no matter where you are in the state.
Moving to Idaho
Idaho has a population of 1.79 million people and ranks as the 40th largest state by population. Between 2018 and 2019, Idaho's population increased by 2.05 percent. Roughly 80,000 people moved to Idaho in 2018, according to Idaho News. Tons of priced-out Californians are moving to Idaho because of the low cost of living and the more favorable housing prices.
Idaho is expected to see continued job growth through 2020, although slower than 2019. It's expected to see a 1.8 percent job growth rate and add roughly 13,600 new jobs in the year 2020. Idaho has a cost of living score of 100.2, meaning it's slightly more expensive to live in the Gem state than the US as a whole. But some cities provide a lower cost of living than the national average.
Idaho Economic Outlook
Idaho's GDP for 2018 was approximately $69.89 billion, while unemployment is around 2.9 percent as of September 2019.
Below is a breakdown of the top five sectors in Idaho by GDP of real value added:
Who are Idaho's Largest Employers?
Places to live in Idaho
Idaho covers roughly 83,642 square miles and the state is made up of 44 counties. The three largest cities are Boise City, Meridian, and Nampa.
Boise
Boise City is the largest city in Idaho, with a population of about 231,773. It's also the capital and the 99th largest city in the US by population. The city is filled with things to do and see, including museums, restaurants, spas, concerts, shows, nightlife, parks, tours, water sports, and shopping.
Meridian
Meridian is the second-largest city in Idaho with a population of 107,989 people. It's the fastest-growing city in Idaho and for good reason. Meridian can keep you entertained with activities and attractions like Roaring Springs Water Park, Wahooz Family Fun Zone, Settlers Park, Meridian Speedway, and Julius K. Kleiner Memorial Park.
Nampa
Nampa, the third-largest city in Idaho, has a population of roughly 96,332 people. It's the largest city in Canyon County and provides plenty for residents to do all year round, including Warhawk Air Museum, Lake Lowell, Deer Flat National Wildlife Refuge, Wilson Springs Ponds, and Sawtooth Winery.